India head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded Rinku Singh for showing immense character by rejoining the squad just a day after the death of his father, saying the entire team stands firmly behind him during the difficult period.
India are set to face the England cricket team in the semi-final at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the squad and shared a heartfelt message with Rinku Singh before beginning his team talk.
“Guys, before I start, Rinku, it takes a lot of character to come and join the team. Remember one thing, you are not alone. The whole team is standing next to you during this hour, so stay strong,” Gambhir said in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Gautam Gambhir acknowledging Rinku’s courageous character in the team huddle@GautamGambhir mad respect for you.pic.twitter.com/6r2B0qCE6y
— adi. (@Hurricanrana_27) March 3, 2026
Rinku’s father, Khanchand, passed away on Friday following a prolonged battle with liver cancer. He had been admitted to Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida on February 21 after his condition deteriorated and was on ventilator support before passing away early Friday morning.
Upon receiving the news, Rinku left the team camp to be with his family and perform the last rites. He subsequently returned to the squad ahead of India’s Super 8 fixture against the West Indies cricket team on Sunday.
However, he was not included in the playing XI for that match, with Sanju Samson retaining his place. Rinku had also missed the earlier match against Zimbabwe.
Drafted into India’s World Cup squad at the eleventh hour, Rinku has endured a lean run in the tournament, scoring 24 runs across five innings, including a duck against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
His record against England has also been modest. In three outings against the Harry Brook-led side, Rinku has managed 39 runs, striking five boundaries and a six.