India head coach Gautam Gambhir offered a moving tribute to Rinku Singh during the team huddle before their crucial T20 World Cup clash against the West Indies at Eden Gardens. The coach praised him for rejoining the squad days after his father’s death.
Rinku Singh’s father, Khanchandra Singh, died on February 27 after battling stage 4 liver cancer. He passed away at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida.
The tragedy struck while Rinku was on T20 World Cup duty with India. He had earlier left the team to visit his ailing father before India’s Super 8 match against Zimbabwe. He then returned to the squad in Chennai.
When his father passed away, Rinku flew from Chennai to his hometown, Aligarh. He performed the last rites before rejoining the Indian camp.
“You’re not alone”: Gambhir’s message to Rinku
Gambhir addressed the team before the must-win West Indies fixture. He singled out the 28-year-old for his courage.
“Guys, before I start. Rinku, it takes a lot of character to come and join the team. Remember one thing: you’re not alone. The whole team is standing next to you during this hour, so stay strong,” Gambhir said.
Gambhir urges team to embrace pressure
The head coach then spoke about handling the intensity of a knockout-style home game.
“Guys, there’s going to be pressure. One thing is very clear: make sure that we don’t hide away from the pressure. We embrace it, we face it, and if at any time we feel we’re under pressure, make sure we take the positive route,” Gambhir told his players.
“Enjoy playing this game, this is what you play this game for, this sport for, this is what you’ve played all your life, games like this at home, a knockout kind of game, so make sure we go out there excited, not under any pressure.”
He encouraged the squad to stay positive in the hours before the match.
“Anytime for the next 40 hours, if you feel the pressure, make sure we take the positive route. OK, be brave, be courageous. Enjoy it. Enjoy playing for the country, and most importantly, enjoying playing for each other,” Gambhir added.
The moment highlighted Gambhir’s compassionate leadership. It showed the team’s unity with Rinku during a difficult personal time.
Though not in the starting lineup, Rinku’s presence meant everything to Gambhir and the team.
Now the Men in Blue have shifted their focus to the semifinal, where they are up against Harry Brook’s England, with a spot in the final up for grabs.
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