Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) batsman Mandeep Singh agonized a massive personal tragedy on Friday (October 23) as his father Hardev Singh passed away after a prolonged illness. Mandeep lost his father on Friday evening, and despite that, the right-hander took the field on Saturday for KXIP vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) game.
Mandeep displayed immense grit and determination as he came into open the innings alongside skipper KL Rahul. KXIP players also paid their respect to his father by wearing black arm-bands.
As Mandeep walked out to bat, some of the Sunrisers’ players consoled him including their frontline spinner Rashid Khan.
Though Mandeep was dismissed in the 5th over of the innings, after scoring 17 off 14 balls, bu♏t users on social media largely appreciated his courage.
The official Twitter handle of KXIP hailed the 28-year-old for his commitment towards ♔the franchise.
“Lost his father last night, but Mandy’s out here to open! Way to go, Mandy #SaddaPunjab #IPL2020 #KXIP #KXIPvSRH,” tweeted KXIP.
Lost his father last night, but Mandy’s out here to 🔴open! 🙌
Way to go, Mandy
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL)
Former𝄹 cricketers, as wel๊l as fans, lauded the bravery shown by Mandeep after going through such an enormous loss.
The cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra heaped praises on Mandeep for turning up f𒐪or the game against the Sunrisers.
“Brave of Mandeep to turn up for the game tonight. Lost his father….yet, he’s here putting up a brave face. Strength to you and family. Deepest condolences. #IPL2020,” Chopra wrote on Twitter.
Brave of Mandeep to turn up for the game tonight. Lost his father….yet he’s here putting up a brave face. Strength to you and family. Deepest condolences.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)
“Hats off for turning up today”: Tendulkar on Mandeep and Nitish Rana
Earlier in the day, the Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) batsman Nitish Rana dedicated his hal♔f-century against the Delhi Capitals (DC) to his father-in-law, who died of cancer on Friday. Opening the innings, Rana scored 81 off 53 balls.
The former India international Sachin Tendulkar, who himself lost his father during 1999 World Cup, tweeted about both Rana and Mandeep. Tendulkar praised both the cricketers for playing the game despite su꧋ffering from huge perso🍌nal losses.
“Loss of a loved one hurts, but what’s more heartbreaking is when one doesn’t get to say a final goodbye—praying for @mandeeps12, @NitishRana_27 and their families to heal from this tragedy. Hats off for turning up today. Well played,” Tendulkar wrote on the micro-blogging website.
Loss of a loved one hurts, but what’s more heartbreaking is w🍷hen one doesn’t get to say a final goodbye. Praying for , and their families to heal from this tragedy. Hats off foཧr turning up today. Well played.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt)
“My heartiest Condolences to you and your family members @mandeeps12 nd @NitishRana_27 in such a difficult time. May God usher u nd ur family wit peace nd comfort. Brave of you both to come out and play. God bless u both,” tweeted Manoj Tiwary.
My heartiest Condolences to you and your family members nd in such difficult time. May God usher u nd ur family wit peace nd comfort🐎. Brave of you both to come out and play. God bless u both 🙏
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj)
Here is how netizens reacted:
bhai I will always stand to support you like you supporting to .
Good control…Hope you will rock second innings!!
Good commitment by
As his father passed yesterday night.
May his soul is always with him.
RIP by— suRRRendra (@SuRRRendra_S)
//twitter.com/Insecurengineer/status/132000217936569🅠9585
Kings XI Punjab cricketers are wearing black armbands in their match against SRH today as a tribute to batsman Mandeep Singh's father Hardev Singh who passed away last night.
Despite being in such situation Mandeep Singh opened with KL Rahul. Hat's off to you— Amul Joshi (@amul_joshi)
big salute to brave heart.
— Mahendra kumar (@buildwithms24)
