T20 World Cup 2026: Rinku Singh joins Team India ahead of Zimbabwe clash as father battles cancer

New Delhi: Big news has arrived for Indian cricket fans. Team India's explosive batsman Rinku Singh is set to return to the team ahead of the crucial T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Group 1 match against Zimbabwe. Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed the news during a press conference held in Chennai on Wednesday. The coach stated that Rinku will report to the hotel with the team by Wednesday evening and will be available for Thursday's Super 8 match.

Why did Rinku Singh have to leave Team India?

Rinku Singh had to leave the team suddenly due to a family emergency. According to reports, Rinku's father Khanchand Singh's health deteriorated significantly, after which he was admitted to a hospital in Greater Noida. The severity of the situation can be gauged from the fact that he was placed on ventilator support. Despite arriving in Chennai with the team on Monday, Rinku left for home on Tuesday after receiving news of his father's critical condition.

Who broke the news?

During the press conference, Kotak clarified the situation, saying, "Rinku Singh is returning this evening. His father was unwell, which is why he had to leave. We hope he will be with us by late this evening." This statement from the coach put an end to speculation that he might be out of the tournament. However, it is not yet clear whether Rinku will be part of the playing eleven in the upcoming matches.

How has Rinku Singh performed so far?

Rinku has played all five matches for India in the tournament, but has scored only 24 runs during this period. However, Rinku has been a very important batsman for Team India in the lower order and will be crucial for the Indian team in the upcoming matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies. 

According to reports, Rinku's father is suffering from stage 4 liver cancer and is currently on ventilator support. Rinku Singh's father worked as an LPG cylinder distributor for a cooking gas company in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, for a long time. Despite struggling with family problems, he raised his son to be a successful cricketer. Rinku first made a name for himself with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and has since become a staple in Team India's lower order.