From struggle to becoming a star… Rinku Singh’s father Khanchand Singh passes away, his biggest contribution was in his son’s success.

Aligarh. Khanchand Singh, father of Indian cricket team’s explosive batsman Rinku Singh, passed away after a long illness. He was battling stage-4 liver cancer and breathed his last late night at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida. He was hospitalized for the last three days. Her father’s sacrifice and struggle has been the most important link in Rinku Singh’s success story.

Khanchand Singh, who worked at Govila Gas Agency in Aligarh, raised his family with very limited resources. He worked as a gas cylinder carrier and lived with his wife and six children in a two-room house given by the agency. Rinku is the third among five brothers and one sister. Despite financial constraints, the father never let his son’s passion for cricket diminish.

Rinku was fond of cricket since childhood. Whatever his father earned by working hard throughout the day, he would bring bat, ball and other necessary items for Rinku. According to coach Masood Zafar Amini, it was his father who brought Rinku to Ahilyabai Holkar Stadium in Aligarh, from where his cricket career really started. Rinku traveled from Under-16 to Under-19 UP team, Ranji Trophy and then IPL.

Five sixes changed the fate-
Playing for Kolkata Knight Riders against Gujarat Titans during the IPL in the year 2023, Rinku Singh led the team to a historic victory by hitting five consecutive sixes in the last over. 29 runs were needed to win and almost everyone had given up hope, but Rinku turned the tables by hitting a six on the last ball. At that moment Aligarh rejoiced. At home, father Khanchand Singh, mother Bina Devi and the entire family were sitting in front of the TV. This achievement of the son was celebrated in the entire city.

Number 35 jersey became lucky charm-
During the School Cricket World Cup in 2012, Rinku wore jersey number 35 and performed brilliantly and became the Man of the Series. Later, he played strong innings in IPL also wearing jersey number 35.

IPL journey-
Rinku Singh’s IPL career is also an example of struggle and continuous hard work.

2017: Kings XI Punjab – Rs 10 lakh

2018: KKR – Rs 80 lakh

2019-2021: Retained by KKR

2022: KKR – Rs 55 lakh

2023-2025: Part of KKR team

Behind Rinku Singh’s success was his father’s sacrifice, trust and tireless hard work. Today, when he is no more in this world, the story of his lessons and struggle will always remain with Rinku. The cricket world stands with Rinku Singh and his family in this hour of grief.