India head coach Gautam Gambhir offered a moving tribute to Rinku Singh during the team huddle before their crucial T20 World Cup clash against the West Indies at Eden Gardens. The coach praised him for rejoining the squad days after his father’s death.
Rinku Singh’s father, Khanchandra Singh, died on February 27 after battling stage 4 liver cancer. He passed away at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida.
The tragedy struck while Rinku was on T20 World Cup duty with India. He had earlier left the team to visit his ailing father before India’s Super 8 match against Zimbabwe. He then returned to the squad in Chennai.
When his father passed away, Rinku flew from Chennai to his hometown, Aligarh. He performed the last rites before rejoining the Indian camp.
Gambhir addressed the team before the must-win West Indies fixture. He singled out the 28-year-old for his courage.
“Guys, before I start. Rinku, it takes a lot of character to come and join the team. Remember one thing: you’re not alone. The whole team is standing next to you during this hour, so stay strong,” Gambhir said.
