Indian all-rounder Rinku Singh has departed the team hotel and returned to Uttar Pradesh amid a family health emergency, casting doubt over his availability for India's crucial Super 8 fixture against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on February 26.

According to sources, Rinku's father Khanchand Singh is seriously ill and admitted to a hospital in Greater Noida, with his condition reported to be critical. Rinku did not attend the team's practice session at Chepauk on Tuesday, and sources indicate he may not be available for the Zimbabwe match. An official statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India is yet to be released.

With Rinku's participation uncertain, the team management is considering changes to the batting order. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is in contention to earn a place in the playing XI, while there is growing discussion around the return of Axar Patel, who was left out of India's opening Super 8 match against South Africa.

Rinku has featured in every Indian match in the tournament so far, contributing 24 runs across appearances. As a death-over finisher and an outstanding fielder, his absence would represent a significant blow to India's balance heading into a must-win fixture.

The context makes Rinku's potential absence even more consequential. Defending champions India suffered a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa in their Super 8 opener — bowled out for just 111 in response to South Africa's 187/7, with David Miller's 63-run knock proving the difference. With the semi-final berth now under pressure, India cannot afford to drop further points against Zimbabwe.