During the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2021-22, the fans witnessed a really emotional moment. It came during an Elite Group B game between Baroda and Chandigarh. It was Vishnu Solanki who displayed utter grit and temperament in what turned out to be an emotional game for him.
Not only were the conditions tricky, but the batter was also battling a personal tragedy. Besides, this was his Ranji Trophy debut. Thus, calling his knock excellent would be an understatement.
He had lost his newborn child just a few days before the game. Yet, he decided to appear for this match and truly played a sensational knock. After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Baroda bundled Chandigarh for just 168.
During the second innings, the Devdhar-led side were 175-3 when Solanki came to bat. Although the game was still in balance, the 29-year-old showcased his mental strength to bring up his century in the final session on Day 2. He went on to score 104 before getting dismissed.
Solanki's knock consisted of 12 boundaries and he received great support from opener Jyotsnil Singh. Baroda finally got to 504 and thus, put a huge total on the board. In reply, the Vohra-led side got to 100 without losing a wicket, and are still batting.
"Story of a Cricketer who lost his new born daughter a few days ago. He attends the funeral and gets back to represent his team to get a hundred. His name may not make social media "likes", but for me #vishnoosolanki is a real life hero. An inspiration," said Baroda Cricket Association CEO Shishir Hattangadi.
An important point to be noted is that Solanki was in Bhubaneswar for the Bengal game when the unfortunate news reached him. He then rushed back to Baroda to attend the funeral of his daughter and then made it back to join the team for this match. Thus, several users took to Twitter to applaud the batter for his mental strength.
DEDICATION LEVELπ―
β Cricmazza (@cric_mazza) February 26, 2022
BARODA'S VISHNU SOLANKI LOST HIS NEW BORN DAUGHTER JUST AFTER BIRTH A FEW DAYS AGO BUT STILL HE CHOSE TO RETURN TO HIS STATE TEAM AND SCORED A CENTURY AGAINST CHANDIGARH.#Cricmazza #indiancricketer #cricket #vishnu #ruturajgaikwad #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/KabOlavt7E
A man with the sheer steel of will. I know it'll be really difficult for the #vishnusolanki to bat after the demise of her newborn daughter. But for his team, he played this inning for the @baroda in the #RanjiTrophy. Lots of courage and strength to him and his family. https://t.co/0wp5YHLOYI
β Tushar Katheria (@katheria_tushar) February 26, 2022
Unreal commitment.
β Amresh (@Truthprevails45) February 25, 2022
Hats off to such dedication .
Vishnu Solanki respect n more power to u.@IamGmishra @BCCIdomestic pic.twitter.com/DyFJUsmGlw
Vishnu Solanki was in Bhubaneswar for the Bengal match when the unfortunate news reached him. He rushed back to Baroda to attend the funeral of his daughter and then made it back to join the team for...https://t.co/H0mvIIEpFE
β What'sbit (@whatsbit) February 26, 2022
Vishnu Solanki lost his new born daughter few days back. Attended the funeral and got back to represent Baroda in #RanjiTrophy and scored a fabulous hundred against Chandigarh. Take a bow, man. #BDAvUTCA
β Arjun (@ArjunsCricket) February 26, 2022
Very very heartbreaking! God give all the strength to Vishnu Solanki . But must be a courageous inning today.. https://t.co/KFre6k21b3
β JD (@jnd583) February 25, 2022
A story of a Cricketer who lost his new born daughter a few days ago.He attends the funeral and gets back to represent his team @BCCIdomestic @cricbaroda to get a hundred.His name may not make social media "likes",but for me #vishnoosolanki is a real life hero. An inspiration!
β shishir hattangadi (@shishhattangadi) February 25, 2022
Ranji match: Vishnu Solanki hits ton as 'tribute' to his newborn daughter, who passed away after birth https://t.co/HTvi0NcVeT
β Newsroom Post (@NewsroomPostCom) February 25, 2022
My heart goes out to Vishnu Solanki. After losing his day-old baby, the #Baroda vice-captain returns to join the team (after completing another round of quarantine) and slams a ton in his first #RanjiTrophy game. https://t.co/z0LKwz1fxl pic.twitter.com/U4bmdzJYnD
β Harit Joshi (@Haritjoshi) February 26, 2022
Β
What a player . Has to be the toughest player i have known. A big salute to vishnu and his family by no means this is easyπ wish you many more hundreds and alot of success ππ pic.twitter.com/i6u7PXfY4g
β Sheldon Jackson (@ShelJackson27) February 25, 2022