New Delhi, February 27 – Virat Kohli, a prominent Indian batsman, mourned the death of Rinku Singh's father, Khanchand, who passed away on Friday after a prolonged battle with liver cancer.
Khanchand was admitted to Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida on February 21 after his condition deteriorated significantly, and he was placed on ventilator support before passing away in the early hours of Friday.
"I am deeply saddened by the news of Rinku's father's passing. My heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May you always find strength in his eternal blessings. Om Shanti," Kohli shared on X.
The mortal remains of Khanchand Singh were brought from Greater Noida to Aligarh this afternoon, where Rinku accompanied the remains during his funeral procession.
Rinku, who left Chennai at 5:00 am to rush to New Delhi, had previously been by his father's side when his condition worsened, but he rejoined the T20 World Cup squad ahead of India's match against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday, though he did not play in the starting eleven as Sanju Samson was given the opportunity to open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma.
Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told IANS that Rinku will not travel with the team to Kolkata for their next Super Eights fixture against the West Indies, to be played on Sunday.
Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) chief Prem Manohar Gupta also condoled the demise of the cricketer's father. "I am really disheartened to hear about the demise of Rinku Singh's father. The family had just begun to experience happiness, and Rinku's wedding had recently been fixed. At such a time, this loss feels even more painful. The entire UPCA stands firmly with Rinku Singh and his family," he told IANS.
BCCI president Mithun Manhas extended his heartfelt condolences via a post on X, "I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rinku Singh's father. My heartfelt condolences to Rinku and his family in this difficult time. May Lord Shiva give him the strength to stay strong."
