Currently, on international duty with the Indian cricket team, Shubman Gill pleasantly surprised Francis, the father of Robin Minz, a recent recruit for Gujarat Titans. Francis, a retired army personnel now working as a security official at the Bisra Munda Airport in Ranchi, met Gill as the latter was leaving Ranchi after the fourth Test match against England.
Shubman Gill, after his impressive performance in the Ranchi Test securing the India vs England series, was honored to meet Robin Minz’s father, who was the first tribal cricketer to play in the IPL.
Shubman Gill Shared A Heartfelt Post After Meeting Robin Minz’s Father
Following Hardik Pandya’s departure to the Mumbai Indians, Shubman Gill has assumed the role of captain for Gujarat Titans. As the Indian cricketers head home for a brief respite before the fifth Test in Dharamsala, Shubman Gill met this inspiring individual.
It was later disclosed that Robin’s father, Mr. Francis Xavier Minz, serves as a security guard at Ranchi’s airport. Sharing an image with Robin’s father, Shubman Gill wrote: “Honoured to meet Robin Minz’s father. Your journey and hardwork has been inspiring. Looking forward to see you in the IPL,”
Check out the Instagram post:
At just 21 years old, Robin Minz made history by becoming the first tribal cricketer to secure a contract with an IPL team. His signing sparked a bidding war between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, with Gujarat Titans ultimately winning the bid at a staggering ₹3.6 crore, significantly higher than his base price of ₹20 lakh.
Minz gained attention last year with a remarkable innings, scoring an unbeaten 73 runs off 35 balls in a T20 tournament in Odisha. He has represented the Jharkhand U19 and U25 teams. Despite previous trials with teams like Lucknow Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders, he went unsold in the 2023 IPL auction.
Nicknamed ‘Ranchi ka Gayle’, Minz has faced numerous challenges to reach this point, particularly due to his family’s financial difficulties.
The IPL 2024 season is set to kick off on March 22, with defending champions Chennai Super Kings facing Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opening match. Gujarat Titans will begin their campaign on March 24 against Mumbai Indians.
