'Respect' - Fans laud Mandeep Singh for playing the game against SRH despite losing his father

The Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) registered a nail-biting victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 12 runs in a must-win game on October 25, Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. However, it was an emotional walk for the Punjab opening batsman Mandeep Singh, who opened the innings for the franchise as Mayank Agarwal was unavailable for the selection.

The right-handed batsman lost his father 68-year-old former athletics coach Hardev Singh Friday night and attended the last rites through a video call Saturday afternoon. Mandeep’s father was suffering from a liver infection and was on ventilator support at a Mohali hospital where he breathed his last. Mourning over the death of Hardev Singh, the KXIP players had sported the black armbands.

It was very brave of the 28-year-old to grace the match field even after suffering a personal loss. Mandeep was lauded by many cricket pundits and fans for his dedication towards the game and the willingness of contributing to his team. The official Twitter handle of the Punjab-based franchise also hailed their batsman for putting up a brave face as coming to bat.

They tweeted, “Lost his father last night, but Mandy’s out here to open! Way to go, Mandy,”

Lost his father last night, but Mandy’s out here to open! 🙌

Way to go, Mandy#SaddaPunjab #IPL2020 #KXIP #KXIPvSRH

— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) October 24, 2020

Sachin Tendulkar is all praises for Mandeep Singh

The former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra also heaped praises on the batsman for his commitment and dedication towards the game. Chopra tweeted, “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,”

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

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 24, 2020

A similar incident had also taken place in the afternoon clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) where Nitish Rana had played the match despite losing his father-in-law Surinder. Rana had smashed a half-century in the match and had dedicated it to his late father-in-law. Former Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar praised both the youngsters for their bravery and dedication.

Sachin tweeted, “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.”

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.

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 24, 2020

Not easy turning up for the game when you lose your father,my condolences to you and you family @mandeeps12 May you stay strong the way you showed today🙏

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 24, 2020

Mandeep singh’s father passed away today and yet he opened the batting and scored 17 runs! 🙏🏼

— R R (@RacchaRidhvik) October 24, 2020

Kings Eleven Punjab players are wearing black arm-band for showing respect to the father of Mandeep Singh who passed away on morning. Well done, @lionsdenkxip.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 24, 2020

Mandeep Singh lost his dad in the morning & now he is playing in the evening.
More power to you champion @mandeeps12

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) October 24, 2020

Mandeep Singh
Nothing but Respect 🙏

— tony allen (@joeys_chandler) October 24, 2020

Mandeep Singh playing after his father passed away this morning. Respect. #KXIPvSRH

— Manya (@CSKian716) October 24, 2020

Mandeep singh lost his father today morning and is playing game for the Team this evening Kudos to you champ @mandeeps12 😭🙏 #SRHvsKXIP

— 🏌️ (@NTR_Warrior) October 24, 2020

This is 😭😭❤️❤️❤️
Taking a bow to Mandeep Singh!❤️
Rest in peace!😭❤️ https://t.co/wCAE8DOH4M

— SújiÈ💛 (@FuzzieSuzzie) October 24, 2020

Mandeep Singh lost his dad in the morning & now he is playing in the evening .RIP😓

Your love and Respect Towards game will take you to success 👏

KingKohli is an perfect example …🔥 pic.twitter.com/uOfl4auOvu

— Virat Tamil FC™ (@ViratTamilFC) October 24, 2020