Rinku Singh’s Father Khanchand Singh Dies: A Son’s Grief Behind the Cricket Pitch

Cricket can wait. Family cannot. That's the unspoken truth behind one of the saddest news stories from Indian cricket this week — the passing of Khanchand Singh, father of Team…

By Reetam Bodhak

February 27, 2026

3 min read

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Cricket can wait. Family cannot. That’s the unspoken truth behind one of the saddest news stories from Indian cricket this week — the passing of Khanchand Singh, father of Team India batter Rinku Singh, on February 27, 2026.

Rinku Singh Key Facts

Detail	Info
Deceased	Khanchand Singh (Rinku Singh’s father)
Cause of death	Stage 4 liver cancer
Hospital	Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida
Date of passing	February 27, 2026
Rinku’s location	Flew back to Aligarh to be with family
Rinku’s T20 WC runs	24 runs in 5 innings (ongoing)

The Man Behind the Rinku Singh

Long before Rinku Singh became the hero of last-ball sixes and sold-out IPL stadiums, his father Khanchand Singh was an LPG cylinder deliveryman — a man who worked tirelessly to give his son a shot at the dream. Rinku’s rise from Aligarh’s modest lanes to international cricket is one of India’s most heartwarming stories, and his father was the quiet backbone of it all.

Khanchand Singh had been battling Stage 4 liver cancer — one of the most aggressive and difficult cancers to treat — for an extended period. He was receiving treatment at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida when he passed away.

Cricket Paused, Family First

Rinku had earlier flown home from the Indian camp to visit his ailing father before returning to duty for their Super 8 match against Zimbabwe. He wasn’t part of the playing XI in that game — Sanju Samson replaced him — though he did serve as a substitute fielder.

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh was among the first to publicly express his grief, sharing a heartfelt post on X offering his prayers to Rinku and his family.

At this point in the T20 World Cup, Rinku’s participation in the upcoming India vs West Indies fixture in Kolkata remains uncertain. For more on India’s T20 World Cup campaign and squad updates, check out our cricket coverage at TechnoSports.

A Family That Shaped a Champion

Rinku Singh’s story has always been bigger than cricket — it’s about a family that sacrificed everything. His father saw his son go from delivering LPG cylinders alongside him to donning the India blue. That journey, heartbreakingly, is something Khanchand Singh saw to near completion. For more inspirational stories from Indian cricket, head over to TechnoSports.

The entire cricket community stands with Rinku Singh and his family during this difficult time. 🙏

FAQs

Q: What was Khanchand Singh’s illness?

Rinku Singh’s father was diagnosed with Stage 4 liver cancer and had been undergoing treatment at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida before he passed away.

Q: Will Rinku Singh continue in the T20 World Cup?

It is currently unclear whether Rinku will rejoin the squad for the India vs West Indies match; the team management is expected to give him time with his family.