India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has been shaken by an emotional development off the field as middle-order batter Rinku Singh rushed back home after his father’s health deteriorated significantly. The left-hander left Chennai following an emergency call informing him that his father, Khanchand Singh, who has been battling a liver ailment for over a year, was admitted to a hospital in Greater Noida in serious condition and placed on ventilator support.
His sudden departure comes ahead of India’s crucial Super 8 encounter against Zimbabwe, a must-win fixture that could determine the defending champions’ fate in the tournament.
Key Takeaways on Rinku Singh Leaving India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Camp Due to Father’s Critical Illness
- Rinku Singh flew back home from Chennai due to a family emergency.
- His father, Khanchand Singh, is reportedly suffering from stage-4 liver cancer.
- He has been battling a liver ailment for over a year.
- He is admitted to a hospital in Greater Noida and is on ventilator support.
- Rinku missed India’s training session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk).
- His availability for the Super 8 match against Zimbabwe remains uncertain.
- India must win the remaining matches after a 76-run defeat to South Africa.
- West Indies vs South Africa result could impact India’s qualification scenario.
What Happened to Rinku Singh’s Father?
According to reports, Khanchand Singh has been undergoing treatment for a liver ailment for more than a year. The illness was reportedly detected around a year ago. Following the diagnosis, he stopped delivering LPG cylinders — work he continued even after Rinku rose to national prominence — after his son insisted that he focus entirely on treatment.
Since then, he has been under medical supervision at a hospital in Noida/Greater Noida. Sources state that doctors were administering expensive injections as part of his treatment protocol.
In recent days, his condition worsened significantly. He was admitted in critical condition and placed on ventilator support. Reports indicate that he is suffering from stage-4 liver cancer.
Understanding Stage-4 Liver Cancer
Stage-4 liver cancer refers to an advanced phase where the primary tumor has spread to distant organs or tissues. At this stage, liver function can be severely compromised.
Possible complications include:
- Liver failure
- Ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen)
- Jaundice
- Hepatic encephalopathy
Advanced-stage cases often require intensive monitoring and life-support systems.
Timeline of Rinku’s Departure from Chennai
Rinku travelled with the Indian squad to Chennai on February 23 after India’s Super 8 fixture. However, he did not attend the training session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on February 24.
PTI quoted a BCCI source saying:
“Rinku Singh has flown back home from Chennai due to a family emergency. He did not join India’s practice session at the Chepauk.”
He reportedly left early on Tuesday morning after being informed about his father’s deteriorating condition. He travelled to Delhi before heading to the hospital in Greater Noida.
As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding his return timeline.
India’s Must-Win Clash Against Zimbabwe
India are set to face Zimbabwe in their second Super 8 match in Chennai. The encounter is crucial for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side.
After suffering a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa in Ahmedabad, India’s 12-match unbeaten streak in the tournament ended. The loss significantly damaged their net run rate.
Qualification Scenario:
- India must win the remaining matches convincingly.
- If West Indies defeat South Africa and India lose to Zimbabwe, India’s title defence could end.
- Net run rate and other results may play a decisive role.
India also have a fixture against West Indies later in the Super 8 phase.
Rinku Singh’s Performance in T20 World Cup 2026
Rinku has played all five matches so far in the tournament.
Match-by-match performance:
| Opponent | Venue | Runs |
| United States of America | Mumbai | 6 (14 balls) |
| Namibia | Delhi | 1 (6 balls) |
| Pakistan | Colombo | 11* (4 balls) |
| Netherlands | Ahmedabad | 6 (3 balls) |
| South Africa | Ahmedabad | 0 (2 balls) |
Total: 24 runs in five matches
Average: 8.00
In some match reports, his total has also been cited as 18 runs in four innings depending on statistical cut-off references.
In 10 T20Is this year, Rinku has scored 115 runs in eight innings at an average of 28.75 and strike rate of 132.18, with a best of 44*.
Overall T20I Career:
- Matches: 45
- Runs: 665
- Strike Rate: 155.73
Despite modest returns in this tournament, he has been regarded as a reliable finisher in India’s white-ball setup.
Practice Session Details at Chepauk
Despite Rinku’s absence, the rest of the squad trained as scheduled.
Players seen in action included:
- Hardik Pandya
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Tilak Varma
- Sanju Samson
- Abhishek Sharma
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Siraj
Abhishek Sharma bowled for an extended period before coming in to bat.
Jasprit Bumrah had a skill-focused session with bowling coach Morne Morkel.
Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj bowled to the top-order batters.
Sanju Samson impressed during nets with clean striking, including a powerful pull shot over wide long-on that drew reactions from onlookers.
Who Could Replace Rinku in the Playing XI?
If Rinku remains unavailable:
- Axar Patel could return to the XI.
- Sanju Samson is in contention depending on batting combination.
- Kuldeep Yadav may replace him to strengthen bowling, though not a like-for-like option.
The management may reshuffle combinations based on balance and strategy.
In Moments of Crisis, Spiritual Knowledge Becomes a Guiding Light
Situations like these remind us that beyond international matches and sporting pressure, every athlete carries personal responsibilities and emotional bonds. When life presents unexpected hardship, inner strength becomes more important than public success.
According to the unique spiritual knowledge of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj, true stability comes from understanding the real purpose of human life and practicing devotion based on holy scriptures. His teachings explain that worldly achievements are temporary, but spiritual awareness provides lasting peace and courage during suffering.
In difficult phases, spiritual wisdom helps individuals remain patient, composed, and mentally strong. It teaches acceptance, faith, and responsibility — qualities that help a person face even the toughest moments with dignity and balance.
When Professional Duty Meets Personal Crisis
Rinku Singh’s journey from Aligarh to the international stage has often been described as a story of resilience. His father’s prolonged medical battle adds a deeply personal layer to the current situation.
As India prepares for a decisive Super 8 encounter, the focus briefly shifts from net run rates and playing XIs to a son standing beside his critically ill father.
The coming days remain crucial — both for India’s campaign and for the Singh family.
FAQs on Rinku Singh Leaving T20 World Cup 2026 Due to Father’s Illness
1. Why did Rinku Singh leave the T20 World Cup 2026 camp?
Rinku Singh left India’s T20 World Cup camp after his father’s health worsened. Reports state his father is battling stage-4 liver cancer and is currently on ventilator support.
2. What happened to Rinku Singh’s father?
Rinku Singh’s father, Khanchand Singh, has been undergoing treatment for over a year and is reportedly suffering from advanced stage-4 liver cancer in a Greater Noida hospital.
3. Will Rinku Singh play against Zimbabwe in the Super 8 match?
Rinku Singh’s availability for the Zimbabwe Super 8 clash remains uncertain, as he returned home to be with his critically ill father.
4. How has Rinku Singh performed in T20 World Cup 2026 so far?
Rinku has scored 24 runs in five matches, crossing double digits once, struggling to make a major impact in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
5. Who can replace Rinku Singh in India’s playing XI?
If unavailable, India may consider Axar Patel, Sanju Samson, or Kuldeep Yadav, depending on team balance and strategy for the crucial Super 8 fixture.
