Rinku Singh's Father Khanchand Singh Passes Away After Battle With Liver Cancer

Indian cricketer Rinku Singh suffered a devastating personal loss on Friday morning as his father, Khanchand Singh, passed away at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida after a prolonged battle with advanced-stage liver cancer. He was on ventilator support for the past three to four days before breathing his last in the early hours of Friday, hospital officials confirmed.

Dr. Sunil Kumar, spokesperson of Yatharth Hospital, confirmed that Khanchand Singh's condition had worsened considerably after being admitted on February 21. "He was placed on ventilator support and breathed his last early this morning," Kumar said. Family sources also confirmed the passing, noting that Khanchand Singh had been fighting liver cancer for some time.

Rinku, 28, had initially left India's T20 World Cup camp ahead of the Super 8 fixture against Zimbabwe in Chennai after his father's health took a critical turn following India's defeat to South Africa. Despite the emotional weight of the situation, he rejoined the squad in time for the Zimbabwe clash on February 26 — and while he did not feature in the playing XI, he was present as India secured a convincing win.

A resident of Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, Khanchand Singh worked in gas cylinder distribution, supporting Rinku's cricketing aspirations through years of financial hardship and personal sacrifice — a story the cricketer has spoken about with deep emotion on numerous occasions. In a poignant moment last year, Khanchand Singh attended Rinku's engagement ceremony in Lucknow — to Samajwadi Party MP Priya Saroj — even as he battled his illness.

Rinku has consistently credited his father as his greatest source of strength and motivation throughout his rise to international cricket.

Tributes poured in from across the cricketing world. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed his grief on X, writing: "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… May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength and courage to the bereaved family."

Rinku's former coach Masood Amini also confirmed the news, corroborating that Khanchand Singh had been on ventilator support for the last three to four days.

The last rites are scheduled to be performed in Aligarh later on Friday, with Rinku expected to be in attendance. As India prepare for their upcoming Super 8 clash against West Indies, cricket takes a distant backseat for the young finisher — who now mourns the loss of the man who made his journey possible.