Rinku Singh Returns After T20 World Cup Victory: Viral Airport Moment and Emotional Tribute
The Indian national cricket team has returned home following their commanding 96-run victory over New Zealand in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Amid the celebrations, middle-order batter Rinku Singh captured public attention with a viral airport exchange and a poignant tribute to his late father.
Airport Arrival and Viral Exchange
Rinku Singh arrived at the airport accompanied by his fiancée, politician Priya Saroj. The couple, who announced their engagement on June 8, were greeted by a large gathering of friends and supporters. As Singh stepped forward to embrace his friends, he momentarily left Saroj behind. The incident prompted Saroj to ask, “Mujhe bhool gye kya?” (Did you forget me?). Singh laughed, returned to place his arm around her shoulder, and proceeded to greet the waiting crowd.
Emotional Tribute to Late Father
Beyond the celebrations, the tournament carried heavy personal significance for Singh. His father, Khanchand Singh, passed away on February 27 in Greater Noida following a prolonged illness. During the tournament, Singh temporarily left the squad after a Super 8s match against Zimbabwe to attend the funeral, before rejoining the team in Kolkata for a decisive fixture against the West Indies.
Following the championship win, Singh published an emotional statement honoring his father’s memory and detailing the difficulty of competing while grieving.
- Commitment to Duty: Singh noted that his performance on the field was driven by his father’s emphasis on professional responsibility.
- Personal Loss: He expressed the challenge of moving forward without daily conversations with his father.
- Fulfilling a Dream: Singh dedicated the World Cup victory to his father, stating he felt his absence in every moment of the celebration.
Tournament Performance and Tactical Shifts
From a purely statistical standpoint, Singh faced challenges during the campaign. He appeared in five matches, struggling to find rhythm in the middle order.
Rinku Singh: T20 World Cup Statistics
| Matches Played | Total Runs | Ducks | Replacement Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 24 | 1 (vs South Africa) | Sanju Samson |
Following a dismissal for zero against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium during the Super 8s stage, the team management opted for a tactical change. Sanju Samson replaced Singh in the playing XI. The adjustment yielded positive results for the Indian side, as Samson registered consecutive match-winning performances across the Super 8s, semi-final, and final fixtures to help secure the title.