Vishnu Solanki shows nerve of steel, stays with team despite losing father days after daughter’s demise

Baroda cricketer Vishnu Solanki has shown his nerves of steel once again in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. On February 11, he had lost his newborn daughter while he was with the team in Bhubaneshwar. Solanki left the team to perform the last rites of his newborn in his hometown but returned to play against Chandigarh where he hit a magnificent century.

His story went viral on social media with netizens showing respect for the 29-year-old. This incident reminded the fans of Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli had hit 90 runs for Delhi after his father’s death a night before. On the other hand, Tendulkar had hit a century against Kenya in the 1999 World Cup after he had lost his father a while back.

However, another tragedy was waiting for the Baroda cricketer on February 27. He was called by the manager in the dressing room where he was informed that his father has passed away. The senior Solanki was battling severe illness and breathed his last on February 27. Meanwhile, a Baroda Cricket Association official has said that Vishnu had the option of leaving the team but chose not to, which makes special human being.

“Vishnu had the option of not returning after his daughter’s death but the team man that he is, he didn’t want to leave his team in the lurch. That’s what makes him a special human being,” a BCA official was quoted as saying by mykhel.com.

Talking about the game, Chandigarh managed to salvage a draw against Baroda after conceding a lead of 349 in the first innings. On February 27, the last day of the game, the team posted 473/7 before the game ended in a draw.