India batter Rinku Singh has returned home from the national camp after a medical emergency involving his father, casting uncertainty over his participation in the remainder of the Super 8 stage.
According to sources, Rinku’s father, Khanchand Singh, is in critical condition and has been admitted to a hospital in Greater Noida, where he is currently on ventilator support. Rinku had travelled with the Indian squad to Chennai on February 23 following their previous Super 8 fixture but left early the next morning after receiving news about his father’s health.
He did not attend the team’s training session on Tuesday evening and is unlikely to be available for India’s crucial clash against Zimbabwe on February 26.
Pressure mounting on India
Rinku’s absence comes at a pivotal moment in the tournament. India are under significant pressure after a 76-run defeat to South Africa in their Super 8 opener — a result that ended their 12-match unbeaten run and dealt a major blow to their Net Run Rate.
With semifinal qualification now hanging in the balance, India must secure emphatic wins in their remaining fixtures to keep their hopes alive. They next face a confident Zimbabwe side that impressed in the group stage by defeating Australia and Sri Lanka to qualify for the Super 8. Though Zimbabwe began this phase with a loss to the West Indies, they remain a dangerous opponent.
If Rinku is unavailable, Axar Patel could slot into the XI. The vice-captain was left out of the previous match, a decision that drew widespread criticism. India will now need both tactical clarity and composure as they navigate a must-win scenario — all while supporting a teammate dealing with a difficult personal situation.
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