Cricketer Rinku Singh's father passes away after battling cancer

Indian cricketer Rinku Singh's father, Khanchand Singh, passed away at a hospital in Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh early Friday (February 27) following a prolonged illness.

Dr. Sunil Kumar, spokesperson of Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida, where the cricketer's father was admitted, said Khanchand Singh was battling liver cancer.

Also read: India crush Zimbabwe in T20 WC

"His condition had deteriorated significantly in recent days, following which he had been admitted to the hospital on February 21. He was placed on ventilator support and breathed his last early this morning," Kumar said.

Worked in gas cylinder distribution

Due to his father's critical condition, Rinku had to return home midway through the T20 World Cup. However, he rejoined the Indian team ahead of the match against Zimbabwe on February 26. He had also recently visited Noida to meet his father.

The 28-year-old cricketer, a resident of Aligarh district in Uttar Pradesh, credits much of his success to his father. Khanchand Singh, who worked in gas cylinder distribution in Aligarh, supported his son's dream of becoming a cricketer despitefacing financial hardships.

The family said Khanchand Singh's last rites will be performed in Aligarh, and Rinku will attend the funeral.

Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh condoled the death of Rinku's father.

"Pained to learn about the demise of Shri Khanchand Singh Ji, father of Rinku Singh. This must be an especially difficult time for Rinku and his family, even as he remains committed to his responsibilities during the T20 World Cup. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with him and his loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength and courage to the bereaved family," Harbhajan wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) handle.