India had just completed their highest successful chase in a T20 World Cup match. Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97 had powered the India national cricket team to a five-wicket victory over the West Indies cricket team at Eden Gardens, securing a semi-final berth in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Amid the celebrations, however, an uncomfortable moment unfolded during the post-match media interaction. A Kolkata-based journalist directed a controversial question at India’s assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak, asking whether the death of Rinku Singh’s father had been a “blessing in disguise” for the team.
Context of the Personal Loss
Rinku Singh had recently rejoined the squad after the passing of his father, Khanchand Singh, on February 27 following a battle with stage-four liver cancer. The batter had travelled home to perform the last rites before returning to Kolkata ahead of the crucial Super 8 fixture against West Indies.
Kotak appeared visibly uncomfortable while responding to the question, and several journalists present were taken aback by the phrasing. Senior journalist Boria Majumdar described the comment as “inhuman,” stating that it brought disrepute to the profession. Kushan Sarkar, who reported the incident, termed it a “face palm moment” for members of the media covering the event.
Wider Reaction
The criticism went beyond the wording itself. For many, the issue lay in the lack of sensitivity shown toward a deeply personal tragedy. While elite athletes are often expected to balance emotional strain with professional commitments, framing such a loss in terms of competitive benefit drew widespread condemnation.
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The episode cast a shadow over what had otherwise been a significant night for India, as they advanced to the semi-finals on the back of a record chase.
