Rinku Singh Returns to India Squad for West Indies Clash Following Father’s Funeral
KOLKATA: Indian batter Rinku Singh demonstrated remarkable professional commitment by arriving at Kolkata airport on Saturday morning to rejoin the national squad, mere hours after performing the last rites of his father in Aligarh. The left-handed finisher is set to be available for India’s high-stakes T20 encounter against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
Personal Tragedy Strikes Before Critical Match
Rinku’s father, Khanchand Singh, passed away on Friday morning at a hospital in Greater Noida following a battle with stage-four cancer. He was 60. The funeral took place in Aligarh, where Rinku led the procession and carried his father’s mortal remains amidst a gathering of mourners paying their respects.
The cricketer had left the Indian camp shortly after the Super Eight fixture against South Africa as his father’s health deteriorated. Consequently, he missed the subsequent match against Zimbabwe. Despite the bereavement, Rinku returned to Kolkata—his IPL home ground with the Kolkata Knight Riders—to bolster the Indian lineup for the upcoming fixture.
Match Context and Team Implications
The match at Eden Gardens holds significant weight for the Indian team. Rinku’s return provides a boost to the middle order, given his familiarity with the Eden Gardens track. While his participation in the playing XI depends on the final team assessment, his presence signals his availability for selection.
| Fixture Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs West Indies |
| Format | T20 International |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Key Player Status | Rinku Singh (Available) |
Fraternity Stands with Rinku
The cricketing community expressed widespread support for the 26-year-old. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla confirmed the long-standing illness of Rinku’s father.
“The news of Rinku Singh’s father’s passing is heartbreaking. He had been ill for a year… Rinku is also very upset. I pay my tributes to him,” Shukla stated.
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also extended his condolences via social media:
- “Heartbreaking news to hear of the passing of Rinku’s father. In moments like these, no words feel enough. Standing in solidarity with you and your family during this difficult time.”
Veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh joined others in offering prayers and strength to the grieving family.