Gautam Gambhir's Moving Speech Leaves Rinku Singh Emotional

Gautam Gambhir motivates Rinku Singh and the Indian unit (PC - x.com)

India are in the semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2026, and will be at loggerheads with England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday. For the defending champions, Gautam Gambhir and Rinku Singh are the two unsung heroes of this ongoing campaign.

Gambhir, despite all the social media trials, has worn a calm head coach's hat, helping the Indian side get through thick and thins. Meanwhile, Rinku Singh, featuring in five matches, has been a key member of the current Indian squad.

Days after India's harsh loss to South Africa, Rinku Singh lost his father due to fourth stage cancer. And, the Aligarh-born decided to fly back and forth for his father's last rites, but not miss his national duties during the ongoing global event.

Gautam Gambhir motivates Rinku Singh in hard times

Ahead of the mega clash against England in Mumbai, Gautam Gambhir decided to motivate the whole team and especially Rinku Singh. In a practice session, the head coach mentioned what the left-handed batter's "bravery" and further stated that "the whole team is behind him".

"Rinku, it takes a lot of character to come here and join the team. Remember one thing, you are not alone, (but) the whole team is standing next to you during this hour. So, stay strong," Gautam Gambhir said in a video shared by BCCI while consoling Rinku Singh.

Gautam Gambhir inspires Team India ahead of ENG clash

Gambhir, who played a top knock in the final of the 2007 T20 World Cup, further talked about the pressure that the knockout games bring.

"Guys, there is gonna be pressure. One thing is very clear, don't hide from pressure. We embrace it, we face it and if any time, we are under pressure, make sure (that) we take the positive route. Enjoy playing this game, this is what you play this game... this sport for. This is what you played, all your life games, like this at home, knockout kind of a game so make sure, we go out there excited and not under pressure," Gautam Gambhir added.

"Any time you feel under pressure for the next 40 overs, make sure you take the positive route. Be brave and be courageous. Enjoy... enjoy playing for the country and most important enjoying playing for each other," he said while concluding.

Rinku Singh - The team man!

Rinku Singh was part of India's playing XI till the Super 8 fixture against South Africa in Ahmedabad. The southpaw came in at number 8 and was dismissed for a two-ball duck in that game, as India lost by 76 runs in the chase of 188 runs.

After that game, India went with Sanju Samson in place of Rinku - a move that solidified the entire top order. However, despite not being a part of the starting eleven and going through a lot in his personal life, Rinku is with the team and he is even contributing as a fielding substitute as and when asked to.

Interestingly, the Uttar Pradesh batter was with India during the 2024 T20 World Cup, but as a travelling reserve. And he has frequently stated that he wants to lift an ICC trophy as a member of the Indian winning squad.