New Delhi: India suffered a blow on Tuesday as middle-order batter Rinku Singh had to return home from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 due to a family emergency. Ahead of India’s next game against Zimbabwe on Thursday, this comes up as blow and also puts Rinku in doubt to participate in the next crucial Super 8 clash.
On Tuesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India had a practice session with only Rinku not in attendance. Rest of the players participated in the session with Sanju Samson also polishing his batting skills. Meanwhile, a source close to the development confirmed to news agency PTI that Rinku’s father, Khanchand Singh, is reportedly admitted in a hospital in Greater Noida in serious condition and hence the player had to rush back.
T20 WC, 2026: Rinku Singh has returned home due to a family emergency and will miss today’s practice session.#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/f8dk6qaYRb
— 9 CRICKET (@9cricketglobal) February 24, 2026
Rinku doubtful for ZIM clash
The sudden departure from the Indian camp has raised doubts over Rinku’s participation but India should not be much hampered by that after taking a look at the stats of the left0handed batter. In India’s Super 8 defeat against South Africa, Rinku was out for a duck while he scored just 6 runs in the side’s last group game against the Netherlands in New Delhi.
In the first three group clashes the USA, Namibia and arch-rivals Pakistan, Rinku was far from impressive as he scored 6, 1 and 11 runs respectively. But keeping in mind the nature of the game and the importance of the Super 8 clash, the hard-hitting batter should be of use for the side especially when others in the camp are also struggling with their performances.
For batting-heavy side India, the next two clashes, against Zimbabwe and the West Indies, are of utmost importance as they only do not need to win them but win them comprehensively as as to achieve a semifinal berth.