Indian cricketer Rinku Singh has been in the news lately, but this time for his personal loss. Rinku’s father, Khanchand Singh, passed away at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida this morning (February 27, 2026) after prolonged illness. He was battling advanced-stage liver cancer and he was on ventilator support for a few days, as per reports. For the unversed, Rinku is a part of the Indian cricket team in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Due to his father’s deteriorating health, Rinku had briefly returned home earlier in the tournament. But on February 27, as his duty, he had rejoined the squad in Chennai for the match against Zimbabwe during such a difficult personal moment; he wasn’t in the playing XI, but he was present with the team.While Rinku is known for his on-field performance, did you know that the cricketer has an inspiring personal journey which shows his grit, determination and hard work? Read his inspiring journey here:
How Rinku Singh’s father fuelled his dream of becoming a cricketer
Rinku’s father used to work as an LPG Cylinder delivery man in Aligarh
Rinku Singh’s rise from Aligarh’s modest lanes to cricket stardom is inspiring. It is a tale of grit, family bonds, and never-say-die spirit. Rinku was born on October 12, 1997, in Uttar Pradesh to a tight-knit but cash-strapped family, and so his early life was all about making ends meet. His father, Khanchand Singh, hauled LPG cylinders for a living – a backbreaking job with endless hours and low pay. His family lived in a simple two-room flat given by the gas company where his father worked. Yet their love and resilience kept them going strong as a family.Just like most fathers, Rinku’s dad was practical at first as he pushed young Rinku towards studies over his cricket dreams. But when Rinku’s father noticed his raw talent and passion for cricket, he became Rinku’s biggest cheerleader. Meanwhile, his mother, Bina Devi, held their home together as a homemaker, offering her quiet strength in tough times.When Rinku became successful as a cricketer, he paid his parents back for their sacrifices for him. He bought his parents a new home and named it after his mom as a heart-touching tribute.
Big family, bigger support
Rinku’s the third of five siblings in his family: older brothers Sonu and Mukul, younger ones Jeetu and Sheelu, plus sister Neha. They’ve all chipped in over the years—one brother even drove an auto-rickshaw, while others juggled private jobs to keep the family afloat. Neha has carved her own path with education and stays active online, as per reports. But Rinku’s kept everyone close amid his whirlwind fame. His family pictures on social media are pure gold, showing that he is still that grounded Aligarh boy at heart.
Pune: India batter Rinku Singh plays a shot during the fourth T20 cricket match between India and England, at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, in Pune. (PTI Photo/Shashank Parade) (
From life struggles to becoming a cricketer
Growing up poor meant making tough calls for Rinku and his family—He juggled part-time work with cricket practice just to help his family. That journey from a cramped flat to donning the Indian jersey is hailed as one of Indian cricket’s ultimate underdog stories.
