Rinku Singh Lands In Kolkata Hours After Father’s Funeral For IND VS WI

In a powerful display of resilience, Indian batter Rinku Singh arrived at the Kolkata airport on Saturday morning, February 28, 2026, just hours after performing the last rites for his father, Khanchand Singh.

The 28-year-old cricketer rushed to his hometown of Aligarh on Friday after his father passed away due to liver cancer. Despite the personal tragedy, Rinku has rejoined the national squad ahead of India’s high-stakes T20 World Cup Super 8 clash against the West Indies.

A Timeline of Resilience

• February 21: Rinku’s father, Khanchand, was admitted to Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida after his condition worsened.
• February 26: Rinku was with the squad in Chennai for the match against Zimbabwe (which India won by 72 runs), though he remained on the bench.
• February 27 (Early Morning): Rinku flew from Chennai to Delhi to reach the hospital.
• February 27 (Early Hours): Khanchand Singh passed away while on ventilator support.
• February 27 (Evening): Rinku performed the final rites in Aligarh.
• February 28 (Morning): Rinku arrived in Kolkata to rejoin the team for practice at Eden Gardens.

The “Must-Win” Virtual Quarter-Final

India faces the West Indies on Sunday, March 1, in a match that has become a virtual knockout.

• Qualification Scenario: Following a loss to South Africa and a win over Zimbabwe, India must defeat the West Indies to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
• The “Home” Advantage: Rinku’s return is significant as the match takes place at Eden Gardens, his home ground for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His familiarity with the dimensions and the pitch could make him a vital addition to the playing XI.
• Team Selection: While Sanju Samson opened in the previous match, there is growing speculation that Rinku might return to his “finisher” role to provide middle-order stability against the Caribbean pace attack.

BCCI and Fraternity Offer Support

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed Rinku’s arrival and expressed the board’s condolences:

“Rinku Singh will join the team tomorrow in Kolkata. We express our deepest condolences to Rinku and his family at this hour of crisis.”

The cricketing fraternity has lauded Rinku’s commitment to the national duty during such a difficult time, with many calling his return a “heroic gesture” for the team’s World Cup campaign.

Match Details: India vs. West Indies