This bold stance taken by Priya Punia is being lauded by cricket supporters all over the world.
Priya Punia, a talented Indian youngster who scored 75* on her debut against South Africa in 2019, was included in the women’s team for the away tour against England in the summer. A few days before she was set to travel to Mumbai, Priya’s mother passed away unfortunately due to COVID-19.
“She was doing fine, but after oxygen supply disturbance, her oxygen level dropped and had to be put on ventilator support. But we couldn’t save her,”
Priya’s father Surendra was quoted as saying by the TOI.
He also inspired Priya to stay strong during such difficult times by stating Virat Kohli as an example, who experienced a similar situation during his early days as a cricketer and was given a promise that she would not miss “professional commitment”.
“I inspired Priya. I told her that Virat Kohli had gone to play Ranji Trophy after his father’s death.
This is a very difficult time for us, but we need to be mentally strong.
There will be many occasions in life when you have to fight challenges and move forward. Priya understands this and she told me that, Papa I am ready to represent India”
Priya also took to social media and wrote an emotional message for her mother and urged the fans to wear masks and stay safe.
After playing seven one-day internationals for India, she has managed to score 225 runs with an average of 37.50 and two fifties to her name. With six limited over games to play against England, she would hope to perform well and secure a spot in the team with the ICC 50 over World Cup scheduled to take place in New Zealand next year.
Team India is set to commence the tour with a one-off Test at Bristol on June 16th, followed by the limited over games from June 27th to July 15th. After that, they will travel to Australia to play a three-match ODI series and a three-match T20I series from 19th September to 11th October.
