BCCI Confirms Rinku Singh's Return to Team India Ahead of T20 World Cup Match
Synopsis
In a time of personal loss, Rinku Singh is set to rejoin Team India for their crucial T20 World Cup match against the West Indies. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirms his return just days after the passing of Singh's father.
Key Takeaways
Rinku Singh will return to Team India after a family tragedy.
The match against West Indies is crucial for India's semi-final hopes.
BCCI officials have expressed their support for Rinku during this difficult time.
Rinku's performance in the tournament has been below expectations.
The cricketing community stands united in support of players facing personal loss.
New Delhi, Feb 27 (NationPress) Devajit Saikia, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has announced that Rinku Singh, the left-handed batsman, will rejoin Team India in Kolkata on Saturday. This follows the unfortunate passing of his father on Thursday night due to liver cancer. The team is preparing for their upcoming match against West Indies in the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup.
"Rinku Singh will be part of the team tomorrow in Kolkata," Saikia conveyed to IANS.
Rinku, who is an integral member of India's T20 World Cup lineup, left Chennai early in the morning at 5:00 am to travel to New Delhi for his father's last rites.
His father, Khanchand, had been hospitalized at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida since February 21, where his health had severely declined. He was on ventilator support before he passed away early Friday.
Previously, Rinku was at his father's side during his critical moments, but he returned to the squad ahead of India's match against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday. However, he did not make it to the playing eleven; instead, Sanju Samson was chosen to open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma.
The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) president, Prem Manohar Gupta, expressed his condolences regarding Rinku's father's death. “I am truly saddened to hear about the loss of Rinku Singh’s father. Joy was just beginning to return to the family, especially with Rinku's wedding recently arranged. This loss is profoundly heartbreaking. The entire UPCA is united in support of Rinku and his family,” he told IANS.
BCCI president Mithun Manhas also offered his sincere sympathies through a post on X, stating, "I am deeply saddened to learn of Rinku Singh’s father's passing. My thoughts are with Rinku and his family during this challenging time. May Lord Shiva grant him the strength to remain resilient."
Rinku, who was a last-minute selection for the World Cup squad, has struggled to meet expectations, amassing only 24 runs in five innings, including a dismissal for a duck against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
India, the defending champions, will face the West Indies in a crucial match on Sunday, where a semi-final spot is at stake. The victor of this match will advance to the semi-finals alongside South Africa from Group 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rinku Singh leave the team?
Rinku Singh left the team to attend the last rites of his father, who passed away due to liver cancer.
When will Rinku Singh rejoin the team?
Rinku Singh is confirmed to rejoin Team India in Kolkata on Saturday.
What is at stake for India in the upcoming match?
India faces the West Indies in a virtual knockout match with a semi-final berth on the line.
How has Rinku performed in the World Cup so far?
Rinku Singh has scored only 24 runs in five innings during the tournament.
Who expressed condolences to Rinku Singh?
BCCI president Mithun Manhas and UPCA chief Prem Manohar Gupta both expressed their condolences for Rinku's loss.
