Chawla’s father dies of Covid complications
LUCKNOW: Former India spinner Piyush Chawla’s father passed away in a New Delhi hospital on Monday due to complications after testing positive for Covid-19.
Chawla, whose family hails from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, has played 35 matches for India, including three Tests. The spinner, who played for Mumbai Indians this season, took to Instagram, posting a picture with his father. “Life won’t be same without him anymore, lost my pillar of strength today,” a mourning Chawla wrote.
“With deepest grief, we announce that my beloved father, Mr Pramod Kumar Chawla, left for the heavenly abode on 10th May 2021. He was suffering from covid and post covid complications. We invite your kind thoughts and prayers in this difficult times. May his noble soul rest in peace,” he added.
Chawla’s father was employed with the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Board at Moradabad. Chawla’s former India teammate Irfan Pathan tweeted his condolences. “My dear brother Piyush Chawla’s father, Pramod uncle is no more. My deepest condolences to you & your family. I pray that you go thru this difficult time with patience. Uncle was a great soul and full of life. COVID has taken one more life,” he wrote.
His friend and former Uttar Pradesh skipper Suresh Raina too expressed grief. “Saddened to hear about the demise of Piyush Chawla’s father. My prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong & safe brother! OmShanti,” he tweeted. Mumbai Indians, in a condolence message, tweeted: “Our thoughts go out to Piyush Chawla who lost his father, Mr. Pramod Kumar Chawla this morning. We are with you and your family in this difficult time. Stay strong.”
Chawla, 32, did not play a game in IPL 2021, which was suspended after some players and support staff members tested positive. Chawla, who has led India in the U-19 World Cup, made his international debut in 2006. His last match for India was in 2012. Chawla, who has over 5,000 runs and 445 wickets in firstclass cricket, took 35 wickets and scored 224 runs to help Uttar Pradesh win their maiden Ranji Trophy title in 2005-06.