Rinku Singh leaves for Kolkata amid T20 World Cup, days after father’s death
PTC Web Desk: Indian cricketer Rinku Singh left Aligarh on Saturday to join Team India in Kolkata ahead of the crucial T20 World Cup virtual knockout against West Indies. The match at Eden Gardens will determine which team from Group 1 advances to the semifinals against South Africa.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia had earlier confirmed that Rinku would be joining the team on Saturday. So far in the tournament, Rinku has scored 24 runs in five innings. This is his first World Cup appearance. Tragically, Rinku’s father, Khanchand Singh, passed away on Friday at a Noida hospital at the age of 60. He was suffering from stage-four liver cancer. Rinku had flown directly from Chennai to Aligarh for his father’s last rites. His elder brother, Sonu Singh, went to Rajghat early Saturday morning to immerse their father’s ashes in the Ganga.
Afterward, Rinku left Aligarh at noon for Delhi and caught a flight to Kolkata to join the team. Relatives visiting the Singh residence said Rinku is now concerned about his mother’s well-being and plans to return to Aligarh for his father’s terahvi (thirteenth-day ritual).
Before his death, Khanchand Singh had encouraged Rinku, saying, “May every father have a son like you. Play your match, and I will pray from the hospital.” Earlier, on February 24, Rinku had flown to Noida from Chennai to be with his father, missing a World Cup practice session. He spent about six hours at the hospital and then returned to Chennai, telling his father, “I have to play for the country against Zimbabwe on February 26.” His father blessed him, urging him to aim high and never feel alone. Khanchand Singh worked in gas cylinder delivery.
Rinku’s early life was challenging. His mother, Veena Devi, manages the household. He is the fourth of six siblings. The family hails from Bulandshahr.
- With inputs from agencies
