Rinku Singh Leaves India Squad Before IND vs ZIM: India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has been dealt a blow as Rinku Singh has walked out on the national side just days before the decisive Super 8 match against Zimbabwe in Chennai. The middle-order batsman has had to return home owing to a family emergency, putting his participation in the decisive match in doubt.
Rinku Singh Leaves India Squad Before IND vs ZIM: Here’s Why?
As per reports, Rinku Singh returned to his home early Tuesday morning following his father’s hospitalization in Greater Noida. It is clear that his father is on ventilator support, which led to Rinku Singh’s departure from the team camp in Chennai.
Rinku Singh missed India’s training session
Whether he will be available for Thursday’s match is still uncertain. The team management is closely observing the situation. At this point, there is no official confirmation on when Rinku Singh will return to the team.
India vs Zimbabwe: A Crucial Super 8 Clash
India are scheduled to lock horns with Zimbabwe in a do-or-die Super 8 encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the historic MA Chidambaram Stadium on February 26.
The match has turned out to be of utmost importance in the wake of India’s massive 76-run loss to the South Africa national cricket team at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
What’s at Stake?
- A defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe may result in India’s virtual exit from the tournament
- Qualification may still depend on net run rate even after a win
- The balance of the team may get disrupted if Rinku Singh is ruled out again
Rinku Singh’s Form Under Scrutiny
Rinku Singh’s departure also comes at a time when his spot in the playing XI was already being questioned. In the last match against South Africa, he was bowled for a duck at a very opportune moment when India required some quick runs to reduce the deficit of runs.
With India’s net run rate being affected, every run now becomes more valuable. If Rinku Singh is unable to make a comeback, his spot in the playing XI might be replaced.
Chennai Pitch Report: What to Expect?
Chennai has the MA Chidambaram Stadium has historically been known for:
- Slow pitches,
- Assisting spin bowlers,
- Low scoring games.
However, early reports indicate that this pitch may not follow suit and provide any support to the batters. India has struggled batting on slow and turning wickets during the T20 World Cup 2026 and this is an important game for them to feel confident, and therefore, a batting friendly pitch will help.
Will Rinku Singh Return Before the Match?
At this stage, it is not clear when Rinku Singh will return to the Indian team. This is entirely subject to what is happening back home. The team management is likely to make a late decision on whether to bring Rinku Singh back based on:
- Developments in his father’s health
- Tournament rules on player replacements
- Team composition requirements
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