Rinku Singh rushes back home due to medical emergency in family, doubtful for Zimbabwe clash

India batter Rinku Singh has flown back home due to a medical emergency in his family. Though the specific reason has not been declared it is being reported that Rinku's father, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, is not doing well and the UP batter has gone back home to be by his side.

The Indian team trained in Chennai earlier this evening and Rinku was not seen around subsequent to which the word spread about the southpaw's departure from the city. Whether Rinku will return for Thursday's game or not is uncertain as of now.

Talking of his performance in the tournament, the left-hander has had scores of 6, 1, 11*, 6* and 0 so far. However, one can argue in his defence that the batter comes at a time when the situation demands slogging and so the numbers might not be too rosy. But, nevertheless, Rinku has had a couple of failures and had he fired the team would have been in a much better position in the respective games. 

Who would replace Rinku if he does not play?

If the team wants to replace a left-hander with another left-hander they would be expected to go with Axar Patel who also doubles up as a spin option. Or, if the management decides to add variety to the line-up Sanju Samson could be considered in that case but that might lead to a reshuffle.

India are in dire need of a victory against Zimbabwe and the West Indies. Mere wins would not do for them as their NRR is in poor shape after the 76-run defeat to South Africa. As a result, the home team needs to win big to have a realistic chance of qualifying for the semi-final.

Thursday's game will be India's first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in the T20 World Cup 2026 and, despite the massive loss to the West Indies, their opponent Zimbabwe cannot be taken lightly.