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The journey of a cricketer is often marked by passion, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. However, for some, this journey is made even more challenging by personal tragedy. Losing a parent is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can face, and for these five cricketers, it happened early in life. Despite the profound loss, they found the strength to rise above their circumstances, carving out successful careers on the cricket field. Here are the stories of five cricketers who lost their parents early but went on to achieve greatness.
1. Virat Kohli: The Chase Master
Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of this generation, lost his father, Prem Kohli, at the age of 18. Kohli’s father passed away due to a stroke in 2006, a time when Virat was still in the early stages of his cricketing career. The loss was a significant blow to young Virat, who shared a close bond with his father.
Remarkably, the night his father passed away, Kohli was playing a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi. Despite the tragedy, Kohli chose to continue playing, scoring 90 runs the next day. This incident became a testament to his mental toughness and dedication to the game. Kohli has often spoken about how his father’s demise pushed him to work harder and become the cricketer he is today. His journey from a grieving teenager to one of the best batsmen in the world is nothing short of inspirational.
2. Ben Stokes: The Phoenix Rises
England’s star all-rounder, Ben Stokes, faced the heartbreaking loss of his father, Gerard Stokes, in December 2020. Gerard, a former rugby league player and coach, was a significant influence on Ben’s life and career. Gerard’s passing due to brain cancer came just before England’s tour of South Africa, a period when Ben was already dealing with the pressures of international cricket.
Stokes took a compassionate leave from cricket to be with his family, missing several matches. His return to the field was nothing short of heroic, as he went on to play a pivotal role in England’s Test victories in 2021 and 2022. Stokes has often credited his father for instilling a never-give-up attitude in him, which has been evident in his career, especially during his unforgettable innings in the 2019 World Cup final and the Headingley Test against Australia.
3. Rishabh Pant: Rising from the Ashes
Rishabh Pant, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, lost his father, Rajendra Pant, in 2017. Pant was only 19 when his father passed away due to a heart attack. The young cricketer was playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) at the time.
In a show of remarkable resilience, Pant traveled back home to perform his father’s last rites and returned to play for his team just two days later. In the very next match, he scored a quickfire half-century, dedicating it to his late father. Pant’s ability to channel his grief into his performances has been a defining aspect of his career. His fearless batting and match-winning knocks have made him one of the most exciting talents in world cricket today.
4. Hardik Pandya: From Adversity to Stardom
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya lost his father, Himanshu Pandya, in January 2021. Himanshu was a pillar of support for both Hardik and his brother Krunal, who also plays cricket at the highest level. The Pandya brothers have often spoken about the sacrifices their father made to help them pursue their cricketing dreams, including moving to a different city to provide better training opportunities.
Himanshu’s sudden demise due to a cardiac arrest left the family devastated. However, Hardik channeled his grief into his performances on the field, leading Mumbai Indians to success in the IPL and making significant contributions to India’s limited-overs sides. His journey from a small-town boy to one of the most sought-after cricketers in the world is a story of resilience and determination.
5. Quinton de Kock: Battling Through Personal Tragedy
South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock lost his mother at a young age. Though de Kock has been private about the details surrounding his mother’s passing, it is known that he was raised by his father and stepmother, who supported his cricketing ambitions.
De Kock’s early loss did not deter him from pursuing a career in cricket. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of South Africa’s most reliable batsmen and a crucial part of their national team. Known for his explosive batting and sharp wicketkeeping skills, de Kock has often been the backbone of South Africa’s batting lineup. His ability to perform under pressure and his composed demeanor on the field are testaments to the strength he has drawn from overcoming personal tragedy.
The stories of these five cricketers serve as powerful reminders of the resilience of the human spirit. Despite facing the unimaginable loss of a parent early in life, they found the strength to pursue their dreams and excel in their careers. Their journeys are not just about cricket but about overcoming adversity and emerging stronger. These cricketers are an inspiration, showing that even in the face of profound loss, one can rise, rebuild, and achieve greatness.
