Deeply affected by both pain and strength, Rinku Singh is due to return to Team India in Kolkata for their crucial clash in the ICC T20 World Cup against the West Indies — which will take place just days after performing the last rites for his father. 

Rinku Singh’s Father Passes Away After Cancer Battle

Khanchand Singh, Rinku’s father, died at a hospital in Greater Noida on Friday morning of stage four cancer. The cricketer's mortal remains were taken to Aligarh, where his last rituals were performed before a large gathering of family, friends and well-wishers.

The 26-year-old batter has been bouncing from match venues to hospitals in the past week. He had moved from Ahmedabad, where India embarked on their Super Eight campaign against South Africa, to Greater Noida in order to be at his father’s side. He subsequently joined the side in Chennai for India’s game against Zimbabwe, then dashed back home after hearing of the tragedy.

Set to Join India for Must-Win Clash at Eden Gardens

But despite a close personal loss, Rinku is committed to India’s World Cup campaign. BCCI sources reports indicate that he will be heading to Kolkata on Saturday prior to India’s must-win Super Eight against the West Indies at Eden Gardens.

A single win is the only ticket for India to a berth in a semifinal. A loss will see the West Indies move in, rather than losing.

Teammates Rally Behind Rinku

From all corners of the cricketing world, support has poured in. Veteran players and senior coaches alike have offered condolences, including mentor Virat Kohli who played through his own personal loss at the early stages of his career. 

Kohli’s experience of transferring pain into action should be a source of strength for the young left-hander in this tough moment. 

Will Rinku Return to the Playing XI?

Rinku was in Chennai during India’s stupendous victory over Zimbabwe at Chepauk but didn’t turn up for the final XI. The team management elected to employ Sanju Samson to boost the top order as batting prospects soured. 

Now, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav are the only ones weighing in whether Rinku will return to the lineup — given his IPL experience with the Kolkata Knight Riders at a domestic club with which he felt at home.

Strength Beyond Cricket

Rinku Singh’s rejoining of his squad represents not only professionalism, but also an act of tremendous emotional grit. From a position of balance, he may inspire the Indian side in a very competitive tournament where every game is a matter of life or death.

One conclusion on a weekend when things are about to turn a little brighter as India prepares for a game in Kolkata will be that Rinku Singh brings so much more beyond a bat. He carries courage.