5 Times cricketers dedicated wins to lost loved ones

Cricket is a game of incredible highs and heartbreaking lows, on and off the field. For some, the biggest triumphs have been greater than the win, and they've been committed to the ones no longer with them.

These are the times that remind us that cricket is never so much about numbers. It's about the story beneath each run, wicket, or catch, and sometimes those stories are woven from hope and heartbreak. When players dedicate a win to those they have lost, they invite all of us on board to travel with them on their journeys and turn a sporting win into a human testament of love and resilience.

These are five unforgettable instances when cricketers turned private tragedy into public triumph.

1. Sachin Tendulkar's World Cup hundred for his late father

Sachin Tendulkar returned home during the 1999 World Cup as his father, Ramesh Tendulkar, passed away on May 18, 1999. Just a few days after the bereavement, he was back to play for India against Kenya at Bristol and scored a masterclass of 140 not out off 101 balls.

He revealed afterwards that every run was for his father’s memory, dedicating the inning to him. That century remains one of the most poignant in World Cup history: a blend of grief, resolve and sheer skill.

2. Virat Kohli’s 90 amidst devastating personal news

During batting for Delhi against Karnataka in December 2006, teenager Virat Kohli received news that his father had died in the night. Refusing to lose his team, he overcame his grief and played on the second morning, scoring 90 vital runs.

Kohli then admitted the knock was inspired by a promise to his father, and that 90 runs prevented Delhi from facing the follow‑on. It was an early sign of the mental resilience that would come to define his career.

3. Ravindra Jadeja's first international century in tribute to his mother

Ravindra Jadeja took nearly a decade to get a Test century. When it finally arrived in Kolkata in October 2018, he spared no effort in seeking to dedicate the milestone to his late mother.

In a home game moment, he publicly recognised her as his biggest fan, dedicating the century in her memory. Jadeja's calm celebration spoke volumes—a tribute to the lady who had first discovered his talent.

4. Rashid Khan's IPL "Player of the Match" dedication

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Rashid Khan was a star in IPL 2020 with the figures of 3/14 against Delhi Capitals. When given the "Player of the Match," he took deep breaths and dedicated it to his deceased mother.

He added her loss had been "the toughest time" of his life and wished this game to be a "bit of happiness" up in heaven. For Rashid, it was not just about the trophy. It was a public thank‑you to the man who first introduced him to the game.

5. Naseem Shah's faith‑soaked tribute after a last‑over heroics

In a pressure T20I game against Afghanistan, Pakistan's young paceman Naseem Shah held his nerve to post a last-over win. He paused, his eyes welled up with tears, at the post-match function to dedicate the victory to his late mother.

Shah had promised her that every major success would belong to her, and this Player of the Match award was no different. His commitment brought to the forefront how professional achievement can be driven by personal promise.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!