Noida, Feb 27:
Indian cricketer Rinku Singh’s father, Khanchand Singh, passed away early Friday morning at a private hospital in Greater Noida. He was 58. The senior Singh had been battling advanced-stage liver cancer for a prolonged period and was on ventilator support during his final days.
A Brave Battle at Yatharth Hospital
Khanchand Singh’s health had deteriorated significantly over the past week. He was admitted to Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida on February 21 after his condition became critical.
Dr. Sunil Kumar, the hospital spokesperson, confirmed the news:
“He was battling advanced-stage liver cancer. Despite our best efforts, his condition worsened, and he was placed on life support. He breathed his last early this morning.”
Rinku’s childhood coach, Masood Amini, also expressed his grief from Aligarh, noting that the family had been bracing for the worst as the cancer had reached its final stages.
Rinku’s Dash from the T20 World Cup
The timing of the tragedy adds a layer of poignancy to Rinku Singh’s professional commitments. Currently a part of India’s T20 World Cup squad, Rinku had briefly left the tournament mid-way to fly back to Noida to be by his father’s side.
However, showing immense mental strength, he rejoined the national team ahead of India’s clash against Zimbabwe on February 26. While he was not part of the playing XI, he was seen supporting the team from the dugout during India’s convincing victory.
From Gas Cylinders to Cricketing Glory
The story of Rinku Singh is incomplete without the mention of Khanchand Singh. A man of modest means, Khanchand worked in gas cylinder distribution in Aligarh for decades. Despite acute financial hardships, he never let his son’s dream of playing for India fade.
Rinku has often credited his “never-say-die” attitude on the pitch to the grit he saw in his father. Most recently, a frail but smiling Khanchand was seen attending Rinku’s engagement to Samajwadi Party MP Priya Saroj in Lucknow in June 2025—a moment the cricketer described as one of the proudest of his life.
Final Rites in Aligarh
The family has confirmed that the mortal remains will be taken to their hometown in Aligarh. The last rites are expected to be performed later today. Rinku Singh is traveling from the team camp to Aligarh to perform the funeral honors.
The cricketing fraternity and fans across the country have begun pouring in their condolences for the “finisher” and his family during this difficult time.
