The Inspiring Journey of Rinku Singh: A Son's Tribute to His Father
A Dream Beyond Limits
Every young boy aspires to be a hero, and in cricket, that aspiration intensifies with the dream of donning the Indian jersey and becoming a celebrated figure, inspired by the legacy of iconic players and the Indian team's achievements. However, cricket can be a costly pursuit. For many families, even the basic gear is a significant expense, and personal coaching is often unattainable for those from lower-middle-class backgrounds. Yet, the journey of sports is unpredictable, often shaped by unseen forces that guide the narrative from behind the scenes.
In the remarkable rise of Rinku Singh, a talented batter, his father, Khanchand Singh, played a pivotal role. Khanchand worked tirelessly delivering LPG cylinders in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, a physically demanding job that involved carrying heavy loads up numerous flights of stairs for minimal pay. Their living conditions were far from ideal, as the family resided in a cramped two-room apartment with Rinku and his five siblings. Despite these challenges, Khanchand never let the harsh realities extinguish his son's passion for cricket. He nurtured Rinku's dreams with unwavering support, treating them as his own.
However, pursuing a dream as costly as cricket requires more than just passion; it demands resilience, a quality Khanchand had in abundance. He remained steadfast under pressure, allowing Rinku to focus on honing his skills. In a nation where talent often struggles to find opportunities, Khanchand ensured that Rinku, now a star in the 2025 Asia Cup and a member of India's ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad, never wavered in his love for the sport.
The world of Indian sports is replete with stories of fathers who have faced immense hardships to help their sons achieve their dreams. Another poignant example is that of Mohammed Siraj, a fast bowler for India, whose father, Mohammed Ghaus, drove an autorickshaw in Hyderabad to support their family. Both stories share a common thread of relentless struggle and challenging working conditions. Tragically, both fathers succumbed to cancer, with Ghaus battling lung cancer and Khanchand facing stage-four liver cancer.
Even after Rinku achieved fame as an Indian player and a six-hitting sensation in the Indian Premier League, Khanchand continued his job. Despite Rinku's pleas for him to rest, Khanchand persisted in delivering LPG cylinders, viewing it not just as work but as the foundation of his son's burgeoning career.
A Father's Sacrifice
For a father who sacrificed so much for his family's well-being, witnessing Rinku's success was likely the greatest reward. Last year, when Rinku surprised him with a motorcycle worth Rs 5 lakh, Khanchand's face lit up with a rare smile, a moment captured and celebrated on social media. Rinku also purchased a new home for his parents, naming it after his mother, Vina Devi, as a heartfelt tribute to the woman who stood by his father through years of struggle.
As the third of five siblings, Rinku grew up in a household where everyone contributed to the family's survival. His older brothers Sonu and Mukul, younger brothers Jeetu and Sheelu, and sister Neha all played their part. One brother drove an auto-rickshaw, while others held various jobs to support the family. Neha pursued her education and remains active online.
Despite his fame, Rinku has remained close to his family, sharing moments with them on social media that reflect a grounded nature, a reminder of his humble beginnings in Aligarh. However, life often brings harsh realities. Khanchand did not have the chance to fully enjoy the fruits of his sacrifices. After a lifetime of hard work, he passed away on February 27 at Yatharth Hospital at the age of 60.
Rinku left the Indian camp in Chennai before the Zimbabwe match to be with his father one last time. In that moment, the fast-paced world of cricket paused. Standing by the pyre of the man who had carried cylinders for him to pursue his dreams, Rinku was left with a profound reflection on the arduous journey his father undertook to help him succeed.