Rishabh Pant flies back home to perform his father's last rites

Budding Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant flew back to his hometown to perform his father Rajendra Pant’s last rites. The youngster, who donned the Indian jersey in a single T20 against England in February this year, lost his father due to a heart attack.

53-year-old Rajendra Pant was complaining about a constant fatigue for the last few days. According to his family members, Rajendra passed away in his sleep as he suffered a heart attack on Wednesday in Roorkee.

Upon learning of the tragic news, Rishabh informed his team management and flew home. Rishabh Pant arrived to be with his mother Saroj and his sister Sakshi. On Thursday, he performed his father’s final rites at Kankhal in Haridwar. The cricketer is currently with the Delhi Daredevils setup for the Indian Premier League. Rishabh is expected to join the team soon.

The youngster will undoubtedly mourn his father’s death. However, the Delhi Daredevils will bank on Rishabh for the upcoming season heavily. He has indeed been a find for India. Pant has a tremendous ability to strike the ball and has had a successful domestic season with the bat.

During the recently concluded Ranji Trophy, Rishabh Pant amassed 973 runs at an average of 81. His Ranji season saw him smash 49 sixes, 4 centuries and 2 fifties.

The 19-year-old Pant will have an added responsibility in the IPL this year. With two South Africans Quinton de Kock and JP Duminy unavailable for the Daredevils this year, Pant will have to step up his game and cover for the absence of these big players. Moreover, Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews is also doubtful for the season following a hamstring injury.

The Daredevils, who have had a string of disappointing seasons so far, will indeed look to turn things around. They will take on last year’s finalists Royal Challengers Bangalore tomorrow at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for their first game of the season.