In the realm of cricket, where heroics often dominate headlines and hype surrounds young talents, there exists a silent yet remarkable player who shies away from the limelight – Shubman Gill. Known for his polite demeanor and honest approach, Gill continues to capture the hearts of fans with his modesty and talent.
Amidst the challenges faced by the Gujarat Titans (GT) due to the departure and injuries of key players, the team managed to secure some impactful additions during the IPL auction. One such player is Robin Minz, a promising tribal cricketer hailing from Jharkhand. The 21-year-old left-handed batter, with a base price of Rs 20 lakh, caught the attention of several franchises, ultimately fetching a remarkable bid of Rs 3.60 crore from the Gujarat Titans.
Shubman Gill surprises Gujarat Titans team-mate Robin Minz’s father at the airport. 👏
– A great gesture by the Captain. pic.twitter.com/seTDRrKWVT
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 28, 2024
Renowned for his big-hitting prowess, Minz draws inspiration from his idol, MS Dhoni, and his cricketing journey is guided by the experienced coach Chanchal Bhattacharya, who also mentored the former Indian captain.
Behind Minz’s rise to prominence lies the humble story of his father, Francis Xavier Minz, a security guard at the Birsa Munda International Airport in Ranchi. Despite the financial security offered by his son’s IPL contract, Francis remains committed to his job, driven by a strong work ethic instilled during his nearly two-decade-long tenure in the army.
Reflecting on his dedication, Francis expressed, “I cannot be lax because my son is an IPL cricketer… I will keep working as long as I feel like working and I am healthy.” Despite his son’s fame, Francis remains grounded, acknowledging his role as just another worker at the airport.
In a heartwarming gesture, the skipper of the Gujarat Titans, currently engaged in a Test series against England, took the time to meet Francis at the Ranchi airport. Their conversation touched upon IPL, Indian cricket, and the Gujarat Titans, bridging the gap between the world of cricket and the everyday lives of hardworking individuals like Francis Xavier Minz.
