Mumbai, March 3: India head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Rinku Singh for demonstrating great strength by rejoining the team just a day after his father's death. Gambhir said that the entire team is standing by Rinku during this difficult time.
Gambhir participated in the pre-match speech ahead of India's 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final clash against England, to be held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Before the speech, Gambhir gave Rinku a heartfelt message.
"Guys, before I start, Rinku, it takes a lot of courage to come and join the team. Remember one thing, you are not alone. The entire team is standing by you during this time, so stay strong," Gambhir said in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Rinku's father, Khanchand, passed away on Friday after a long battle with liver cancer. He was admitted to Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida on February 21 after his condition deteriorated and was on ventilator support before he died early Friday morning.
After hearing the news, Rinku left the team to be with his family and perform the last rites. He later returned to the squad before the Super 8 match against the West Indies cricket team on Sunday.
However, he was not included in the playing XI for that match, with Sanju Samson retaining his place in the team. Rinku also missed the earlier match against Zimbabwe.
Rinku, who was added to India's World Cup squad at the last minute, has struggled with form in the tournament. He has scored 24 runs in five innings so far, including a duck against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
He also has a modest record against England. In three matches against the Harry Brook-led side, he has scored 39 runs in three innings, hitting five fours and one six.
