“Forever in our hearts” - Virat Kohli pays tribute as former chairperson of the Tata Group Ratan Tata passes away
Indian cricketer Virat Kohli took to Instagram on Thursday, October 10, to mourn the passing of veteran industrialist and former chairperson of the Tata Group, Ratan Tata. The 86-year-old passed away on Wednesday, October 9, at Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai.
Ratan was admitted to the hospital on Monday, October 7, due to age-related health issues. As India mourned the loss of their beloved industrialist, Kohli also shared his thoughts on Instagram Stories. He wrote:
“Forever in our hearts. Rest in Peace, sir.”
The 35-year-old was last seen on the field during India’s two-match series against Bangladesh at home. While the hosts won the first game by 280 runs, the right-handed batter struggled, scoring only 6 and 17 in his two innings.
Kohli bounced back in the second game, making a brisk 47 runs off 35 balls in the first innings. He then remained unbeaten with 29 runs off 37 balls in the second innings as India won the match by seven wickets, completing a clean sweep over Bangladesh in the series.
The Delhi-born cricketer will be back in action when Rohit Sharma and the team face New Zealand in a three-match Test series starting Wednesday, October 16, in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, the Indian team will return to action when they face Bangladesh in the final match of the three-match T20I series on October 12 in Hyderabad.
“His invaluable contributions across fields have been instrumental in shaping India's growth” - BCCI mourns the passing of Ratan Tata
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) joined the nation in paying tribute to the late Ratan Tata. The BCCI wrote:
“The BCCI expresses its deepest sorrow and joins the nation in mourning the passing of Shri Ratan Tata ji. His invaluable contributions across diverse fields have been instrumental in shaping India's growth and success story.”
“His extraordinary legacy, founded on the principle of passion, empathy, visionary leadership, innovation, and excellence, will continue to inspire and guide future generations for the years to come,” it continued.
In 2008, Tara received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor after being awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in 2000.