Rinku Singh To Play India vs West Indies In Kolkata? Update Arrives After Father’s Sad Demise

Rinku Singh unlikely to play vs WI [Source: AFP]

In the latest development, Rinku Singh, the star middle-order batter, is unlikely to play against the West Indies in the T20 World Cup Super 8 match on Sunday. On Friday, his father passed away after battling Stage 4 cancer, and the players' participation in the last Super 8 match remains under dark clouds.

Earlier, RevSportz reported that the player would stay back with his family, but as per a fresh report by the ANI, Rinku is set to join the team on Saturday, but whether he'll take part against the West Indies is still not certain.

Rinku’s father was admitted to the hospital for several days and was under strict medical supervision. The doctors placed him on a ventilator, and at the same time, he was undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy to support his failing organs.

Details of what exactly happened to Rinku's father

Before the crucial India vs Zimbabwe Super 8 match, news broke out that the star player could miss the Super 8 fixture due to his father’s deteriorating health. His father was going through cancer treatment for more than a year, and the player boarded an emergency flight to meet his father.

Rinku’s father, Khanchand Singh, was put on a ventilator at the Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida, where he was fighting a battle against Stage 4 cancer, as Rinku lost his biggest support system.

Before the Zimbabwe clash, Rinku, who flew to meet his ailing father, reported back on duty in Chennai as he joined the Indian team for the must-win clash. However, he was kept on the bench as India preferred Sanju Samson over him.

Players pour in support for Rinku Singh

The news of Rinku’s father’s death was first confirmed by former India cricketer, Harbhajan Singh, who posted an emotional message for the star cricketer amidst tough times.

"Pained to learn about the demise of Shri Khanchand Singh Ji, father of Rinku Singh. This must be an especially difficult time for Rinku and his family, even as he remains committed to his responsibilities during the T20 World Cup.

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My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with him and his loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength and courage to the bereaved family."

Apart from Harbhajan, legendary batter Virat Kohli also shared a message for his teammate, as he paid respect to Rinku’s father.

"Deeply saddened by the news of Rinku’s father’s demise. 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," tweeted Virat Kohli.

Who will replace Rinku if he still misses out

It was Sanju Samson who replaced Rinku in the playing XI for the Super 8 match against Zimbabwe, and if the star batter misses the West Indies clash, expect the team to continue with the same lineup.

Samson is set to continue as Abhishek Sharma’s opening partner, with Ishan Kishan demoted to the number 3 spot, and Tilak Varma given the finisher’s role (what Rinku used to do for India).

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