In an impressive display of solidarity, the Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli he turned to his teammate Rinku Singh With an emotional message following the tragic death of Khanchand Singh, father of the young battered, on Friday morning. A 28-year-old who is part of India T20 World Cup 2026 staff lost his father after a long battle with stage 4 liver cancer at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida.
‘Deeply saddened’: Virat Kohli offers heartfelt condolences
Virat Kohli took to social media platform X to express his grief and stand by his fellow cricketer during this difficult time. His message resonated deeply with fans and the cricketing community alike.
“Deeply saddened by the news of Rinku’s father’s passing. My sincere prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. May you always find strength in his eternal blessings. Om Shanti,” Kohli said in a post on X, tagging Rinku Singh.
Rinku was deeply saddened by the news of his father’s death. My sincere prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. May you always find strength in his eternal blessings. Om Shanti. 🙏 @rinkusingh235
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) February 27, 2026
The former India captain’s words carried the warmth of a senior player reaching out to a young colleague who has faced personal tragedy, reflecting the tight-knit nature of the Indian dressing room even as the team fights for survival in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Rinku Singh’s father passes away after a long illness
Khancand Singh had been battling advanced liver cancer for a long time. His condition deteriorated significantly in the last few days and he was admitted to Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida on February 21. He was placed on ventilator support for the last three to four days before recovering in the early hours of Friday.
Hospital PRO Dr. Sunil Kumar confirmed that Khancand Singh was suffering from advanced liver cancer which worsened in his last days. Rinku’s former coach Masood Amini also confirmed the tragic news to news agency PTI.
Khanchand Singh’s mortal remains were brought from Greater Noida to Aligarh, where Rinku was seen shouldering the funeral procession, a moving sight that moved the nation.
Also READ: Fans mourn the tragic death of Rinku Singh’s father during the T20 World Cup 2026.
Rinku’s Race Against Time: From the T20 World Cup camp to the father side
Rinku shuttles between the Indian team camp and her ailing father throughout the World Cup. He had earlier rushed home when his father’s condition worsened after India’s first Super 8 match against South Africa.
The left-handed batsman rejoined the squad ahead of the crucial clash against Zimbabwe on February 26, hoping for his father’s recovery. But fate had other plans. At 5:00 a.m. on Friday, Rinku left the team hotel in Chennai to rush to New Delhi.
According to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, Rinku will not travel to Kolkata with the team. A must win Super 8 battle against West Indies on sunday. The team management has given him space to be with his family during this period of mourning, prioritizing his emotional well-being over his cricketing commitments.
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