India batter Rinku Singh is set to rejoin the national squad in Chennai on Wednesday evening after briefly leaving the team camp to attend to a family emergency. The middle-order batter had flown home on Tuesday after learning that his father, Khanchand Singh, had been hospitalised with stage-four liver cancer in Greater Noida.
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed Rinku’s return while speaking to reporters in Chennai ahead of India’s next crucial fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Sitanshu Kotak said, “Rinku Singh is joining the team this evening. He went back home because his father is not well.”
According to reports, Rinku missed India’s training session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday to attend to his father, who remains in serious condition at a hospital in Greater Noida. Despite the emotional circumstances, the 28-year-old is expected to link up with the squad in time for India’s upcoming Super 8 clash.
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Rinku, widely regarded as one of India’s most reliable finishers in white-ball cricket, has featured in all five matches of India’s campaign in the ongoing tournament so far. However, he has struggled to make a big impact with the bat, scoring just 24 runs across those appearances.
His availability had briefly raised questions ahead of India’s must-win Super 8 match against the Zimbabwe national cricket team on Thursday. With India also considering tactical changes to their batting order after the heavy defeat against South Africa, there is a possibility that Rinku could be rested for the fixture.
🚨 GOOD NEWS FOR TEAM INDIA 🚨
– Rinku Singh will re-join Indian team today evening. [RevSportz] pic.twitter.com/7CIMpB8BOY
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 25, 2026
Reports suggest that wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson may be drafted into the playing XI if the team management decides to reshuffle the middle order. Meanwhile, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged the team management to strengthen the bowling unit by bringing back all-rounder Axar Patel into the lineup.
Ravi Shastri said, “They have to bring him back. You need that experience. I would say play both (Patel and Sundar). Give yourself that extra option.”
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He further explained that having multiple bowling options can protect the team on days when a bowler struggles, citing Varun Chakravarthy’s performance during India’s previous match. As India prepare for a high-pressure game, team combinations and player availability could play a decisive role in keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
