Rinku Singh’s father’s emotional last words:’Play your match bravely, every father deserves a son like you, I’ll pray from hospital’

“Son, I love you very much. Play your match with full dedication. I will keep praying for you from the hospital.” Though cricketer Rinku Singh has lost his father, these words continue to echo in the hearts of family members and fans alike. His father, Khanchand, said these emotional words when Rinku was preparing to return to the cricket field from Yatharth Hospital in Noida, where his father was undergoing treatment. Khanchand, who was battling fourth-stage liver cancer, passed away at 4:36 am on February 27 at the age of 60. He had been admitted to the hospital on February 23 after his health deteriorated. A father’s blessing before the big match Rinku Singh rushed from Chennai to Noida on February 24 after learning about his father’s condition. He had to skip a T20 World Cup practice session to be by his father’s side. He spent nearly six hours at the hospital before preparing to return to Chennai. Before leaving, Rinku informed his father that India had a crucial match against Zimbabwe on February 26 and that he needed to represent the country. Despite being in pain, Khanchand placed his hand on his son’s head and blessed him. Family members recall that he said, “One day, you will touch great heights. Never feel alone. Every father should have a son like you.” Though weak and suffering, he urged his son not to worry and promised to pray for him from the hospital. Pictures of the last rites held in Aligarh A life of struggle behind Rinku’s success Behind Rinku Singh’s success story lies the relentless struggle of his father. Khanchand worked as a gas cylinder delivery man (hawker) at a gas agency in Aligarh. To raise his five sons and one daughter, he spent years delivering LPG cylinders door-to-door. Initially, he delivered cylinders on a bicycle. Later, he shifted to transporting them by tempo. Watching his father toil day and night deeply affected young Rinku. As a child, he had promised his father, “One day, I will support you and free you from this hard labor.” After achieving success in cricket, Rinku fulfilled that promise. Rinku’s mother, Veena Devi, manages the household. He is the fourth among five brothers and one sister. His elder brothers are Sonu, Mukul, and Sheelu, while his younger siblings are sister Neha and brother Jeetu. The family once lived in Dangarh, Bulandshahr, before eventually moving to Aligarh. “My son is a star”: Father’s final interview On February 15, the day of the India–Pakistan T20 World Cup match, Khanchand spoke to Dainik Bhaskar. Despite feeling unwell, he watched the entire match. He said, “The match was good. I was not feeling well, but as soon as he hit a boundary, I felt fine. Rinku is a star. If he had faced more balls, he would have scored more runs.” In that match, Rinku scored 11 runs off four balls, including a four and a six. Khanchand proudly remarked that even small contributions in big matches make a difference. Family members recall that as he watched his son score those quick runs on television, he became emotional. He remembered Rinku’s early struggles and the hard work that brought him to the national stage. “He has worked very hard to reach here,” Khanchand had said. An unfulfilled wish Khanchand often expressed that he had seen his son become a star with his own eyes. His only remaining wish was to see Rinku settle down and start a family. He would say, “I have seen him become a star. I wish to see his family grow too. If I live long enough, I want to hold his children in my arms.” Sadly, that dream remained unfulfilled. After a prolonged battle with cancer, Khanchand succumbed to the disease. Wedding plans may be reconsidered Rinku Singh is engaged to Samajwadi Party MP Priya Saroj. The couple got engaged last year in a ceremony held in Lucknow. They are scheduled to get married in June 2026. However, sources suggest that following his father’s demise, the family may reconsider the wedding date. This is not the first time the wedding has been postponed. The initial date of November 18, 2025, was deferred due to a cricket series. A second date in February 2026 was canceled because of World Cup commitments. According to Rinku’s elder brother Sonu Singh, the IPL is scheduled between March 26 and May 31. The wedding is likely to take place once Rinku is free from his cricketing commitments. The ceremony is planned in Varanasi (Kashi), with a reception to be held in Aligarh. A son who played on, guided by his father’s blessings As Rinku Singh continues to represent India on the global stage, his father’s words remain a guiding force in his life. Even from a hospital bed, Khanchand chose encouragement over worry, pride over pain. His final message — to play wholeheartedly and not feel alone — reflects the enduring bond between a father and a son. For Rinku, every boundary, every run, and every milestone will now carry the silent blessing of a father who believed in him until his last breath.