IPL 2018: 3 recent instances of players who played in an IPL game after the demise of their family member

A cricketer needs to be in a proper mental space whenever he steps into the field. A large number of players in the past had taken an indefinite break from the game because of the stress-related issues.

The demise of a father, mother, friend or any close relation before a cricket match is the worst thing that can happen to a cricketer. It takes some heavy heart for a cricketer to overcome the loss of their loved ones and to perform in a match that follows the tragic event.

Over the years, we have seen players like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli returned to the field within few hours of the demise of their father. It shows their dedication and commitment towards the game.

In the past one year of the Indian Premier League, there were few such instances when the players returned to play an IPL game. Let us look at them one by one.

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#3 Andrew Tye

Andrew Tye with the armband on his left hand in the last game against Rajasthan Royals

The Australian fast bowler is currently playing for Kings XI Punjab. He is presently leading the bowling chart with 16 wickets in 10 games. In Punjab’s last match against Rajasthan Royals, Tye wore a black armband. No one knew the reason until the conclusion of the first innings.

Andrew Tye picked up four wickets in the first innings. When Graeme Smith interviewed him to present the 'Purple Cap' during the innings break, Tye revealed the reason behind the armband. He broke down live on TV as he broke the news of the passing of his grandma earlier in the day. The commentator consoled him later. Tye dedicated his performance to his grandma and the entire family.

#2 Lungi Ngidi

Ngidi had an impressive debut against DD

Lungi Ngidi was the breakout star for South Africa in the recently concluded series against India. Impressed by his exploits in that series, Dhoni’s CSK bought him at his base price of INR 50 Lakhs in the 2018 IPL auction.

On April 14, 2018, Cricket South Africa confirmed the passing of Ngidi’s father. Ngidi flew back to South Africa to perform the last rites. Within few days, the pacer returned to India to participate in the IPL.

He made his IPL debut on April 30, 2018, against Delhi Daredevils. Ngidi dismissed the well-settled Rishabh Pant to claim his maiden IPL wicket. Ngidi bowled 11 dot balls in his four-over spell. It was a memorable debut for the South African pacer.

#1 Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant was mentally very strong at such an early age

Rishabh Pant is the front-runner in the list of the long-term replacement for Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He is in tremendous form for Delhi Daredevils with an eye-catching strike rate of 173.12 in the ongoing edition of IPL.

On the night of April 05, 2017, Rishabh Pant’s father passed away in his sleep due to a cardiac arrest. It was a terrible situation for the 18-year old youngster since the Delhi Daredevil’s season opener for the 2017 edition scheduled on April 08.

However, he turned up for the team’s opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The game too was a disappointing one for the youngster as DD lost to RCB by 15 runs. Pant fought a lone battle by scoring 57 runs from 36 deliveries. Though DD lost the match, Pant won the hearts of the fans.