Virat Kohli’s Heartfelt Tribute to Rinku Singh After Father’s Death: ‘May You Find Strength’
New Delhi, India — Indian cricketing icon Virat Kohli has shared a deeply heartfelt message of condolence for his teammate Rinku Singh after the sudden and sorrowful passing of Rinku’s father, Khanchand Singh, a loss that has reverberated through the cricketing world. The senior Singh breathed his last on Friday morning at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida after a prolonged battle with advanced liver cancer, leaving the young batter and his family devastated at a time when the Indian team is competing in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, highlighting the human cost behind sporting glory.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) , Kohli reflected the pain and support of the wider cricket community in an emotional post that quickly went viral, touching millions of fans. His words conveyed not just sympathy, but a sincere wish for strength and comfort for Rinku and his loved ones during an unbearably difficult period when the weight of loss must feel overwhelming.
Kohli wrote: “Deeply saddened by the news of Rinku’s father’s demise. My heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May you always find strength in his eternal blessings. Om Shanti.”
The message came in the midst of a particularly demanding tournament schedule, with the Indian team facing crucial matches in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup, where every game carries enormous pressure. Despite the ongoing competitive commitments, Kohli’s words highlighted that the bonds between teammates run much deeper than just sporting goals — they encompass shared humanity, care, and support in moments of personal loss that transcend the boundary rope.
A Family Man and a Fighter
Khanchand Singh had been admitted to the hospital earlier in the week after his health deteriorated significantly due to liver cancer, a disease that progresses mercilessly despite medical intervention. Hospital officials confirmed that he was on ventilator support in his final days as he fought the debilitating illness with the same fighting spirit his son shows on the cricket field.
The death of a parent is one of life’s most profound losses, and it hit Rinku at a moment when he was hundreds of miles away with his national squad, forced to balance professional obligations with personal grief. Rinku had earlier taken time away from the team to visit his father as his condition worsened, underscoring the priority of family even amid a major international event where every player wants to contribute.
After spending time with his ailing parent, he rejoined the squad ahead of India’s game against Zimbabwe, although he did not make the playing eleven for that match, his focus understandably elsewhere. Following the news of his father’s passing, the mortal remains of Khanchand Singh were transported from Greater Noida to Aligarh for the final rites and funeral ceremonies, where Rinku was present to lead the procession — a deeply emotional moment reported by news agencies showing the young cricketer in mourning.
Cricket Fraternity Stands Together
Kohli was far from alone in expressing sympathy, as the tragic news united the cricket world in shared grief. The death drew an outpouring of condolences from former and current cricketers, administrators, and fans across India and beyond, demonstrating the sport’s unique ability to bring people together in times of sorrow.
Icons of the game took to social media to offer their thoughts, prayers, and personal support to Rinku and his family, with messages pouring in from around the globe. Among those who publicly expressed solidarity were former India greats such as Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh, both of whom posted heartfelt messages reminding Rinku that “no words feel enough” during such moments of grief, speaking from their own experiences of loss.
They, along with several others, shared their own wishes for strength, resilience, and peace for the bereaved family, emphasizing that time and memories would eventually provide some comfort. The depth of these tributes illustrates the strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect that exists within the world of cricket — not just on the field but off it too, where rivalries fade in the face of human tragedy.
For many players, teammates become like family during long tours and tournaments, and moments of loss are shared collectively rather than faced alone, with the entire cricketing community rallying around those who grieve.
Balancing Compassion and Competition
For Rinku, this has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging periods of his life, testing his resilience in ways no cricket match ever could. Losing a father is a moment of profound personal sorrow, even more so when it occurs while fulfilling national duties at a major international event where millions are watching.
The T20 World Cup, with its packed schedule and high expectations, contrasts sharply with the private grief that Rinku must be experiencing, creating an impossible tension between public duty and private mourning. Yet, the response from Kohli and the broader cricketing community reinforces a timeless truth: compassion and support can provide solace, even amid the pressure and focus required by elite sport, reminding athletes they are not alone.
Kohli’s message — rooted in empathy and prayer — serves as a reminder that behind every athlete is a human story, shaped by family, sacrifice, and the shared experience of life’s greatest challenges, including the ultimate loss.
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Conclusion
The outpouring of love for Rinku Singh following his father’s death demonstrates that cricket is more than just a game — it’s a family. And in times of grief, that family stands together.
Virat Kohli’s tribute, the cricket world’s prayers, and a son’s grief. Rinku Singh, you are not alone.
