The Unsung Hero Behind Rinku Singh’s Rise: Bidding Farewell to Khanchand Singh

Behind every soaring six that clears the stadium roof, there is often a quiet story of unimaginable struggle and sacrifice. For Indian cricket’s calm and explosive finisher, Rinku Singh, that story was written by his father, Khanchand Singh.

On February 27, 2026, the cricketing world paused to mourn as Khanchand Singh breathed his last after a prolonged and courageous battle with stage-4 liver cancer at a hospital in Greater Noida. As India competes in the T20 World Cup, a son faces the profound grief of losing his biggest pillar of strength.

This is not just a story of a cricketer losing a parent; it is the story of a father who lifted heavy gas cylinders so his son could one day lift the hopes of a billion people.

From the Streets of Aligarh to the World Stage: A Father's Sacrifice

For millions of fans, Rinku Singh is the ultimate modern-day finisher—fearless, grounded, and immensely talented. But long before the IPL contracts and the coveted blue jersey, life in Aligarh was a daily battle for survival.

Khanchand Singh worked tirelessly as an LPG cylinder deliveryman. Earning a modest income, he provided for his family while living in a cramped two-room quarter. In the early days, like any protective father battling poverty, he was hesitant about Rinku’s cricketing dreams. He wanted financial stability for his son. However, the day he watched young Rinku win a "Man of the Match" motorcycle at a local tournament, everything changed.

From that day on, Khanchand Singh became the silent wind beneath Rinku’s wings. He never offered tactical cricket advice; instead, he offered something far more valuable: relentless hard work, enduring support, and the fundamental life lesson of staying grounded, no matter how high you fly.

Torn Between National Duty and A Son’s Grief

The tragedy’s timing makes it even more heartbreaking. Rinku was in the middle of India's T20 World Cup campaign when his father's condition rapidly deteriorated.

• The Ultimate Professional: Despite the immense emotional turmoil of his father being placed on a ventilator, Rinku showcased extraordinary commitment. He briefly rushed home to be by his father's side but flew back to join the squad in Chennai ahead of a crucial Super 8 fixture against Zimbabwe.
• The Silent Agony: Though he was not in the playing XI, Rinku still took the field as a substitute fielder, carrying the weight of his father's declining health in front of thousands of cheering fans.

Following the tragic news of his father's passing, Rinku flew back to Aligarh to shoulder his father's mortal remains, bidding a tearful final goodbye to the man who built his foundation.

The Cricketing Fraternity Stands in Solidarity

The sports world has rallied around the 28-year-old star during this dark hour. Social media is flooded with tributes, proving that cricket is more than just a game; it is a family.

• Virat Kohli: Shared heartfelt prayers, wishing Rinku strength and highlighting the eternal blessings of a parent.
• Harbhajan Singh: Expressed deep pain over the news, lauding Rinku’s commitment to his national responsibilities even while enduring personal tragedy.
• Yuvraj Singh: Stood in solidarity, noting that in moments like these, "no words feel enough."

A Legacy Etched in Resilience

Khanchand Singh may not have lived to see the end of this World Cup, but his legacy is already cemented in cricket history. Every time Rinku steps onto the pitch, remains calm under pressure, and swings his bat with unyielding power, it is a reflection of the man who taught him how to carry the heaviest of burdens with a smile.

Rest in peace, Khanchand Singh. You delivered far more than cylinders; you delivered a champion to the nation.