United in Grief: Pant shows steely resolve like Sachin, Virat

Something similar happened again last night in Bengaluru. Everyone saw it but very few knew what went through Rishabh Pant's mind. (Photo: BCCI)

One still doesn't know how Rishabh's career will pan out after a decade but if it comes to strength of character, he showed that he is at par with Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

And what was that man wearing lavender coloured training Jersey sitting in that Delhi dugout thinking? Well, Rahul Dravid was at the other end when Tendulkar came out to bat that morning in Bristol. On Saturday, he was again present at the ground as Rishabh's coach. Did he tell Rishabh about how Tendulkar had coped with tragedy on that day? Nobody knows. (BCCI)

Royal Challengers defeated Delhi Daredevils but in this defeat Rishabh Pant was a hero. He will perhaps score a better 57 than the one he managed last night but this will remain an emotional innings.

That iconic moment was just days after he had lost his father Ramesh and his mother Rajni had not allowed him to grieve the loss. Nobody has forgotten it. (Photo: AFP)

Something similar happened closer home in Delhi in 2007 during a Ranji Trophy game. A few witnessed it and lot many heard what is now a part of Indian cricket's folklore. Virat Kohli lost his father, Prem, during a Ranji Trophy game against Karnataka at midnight. Delhi was in doldrums and Virat made 97, saved his team and performed his father's last rites in the evening. (Photo: AFP)

It happened in Bristol 18 years ago during a one day game. One saw how an emotional Sachin Tendulkar looked heavenwards after his hundred in a World Cup match against Kenya.