It’s often said that personal and professional lives should be kept separate, but it’s particularly hard when bogged down by tragedy. Losing his grandmother on the day, Andrew Tye not only showed strength in turning out for his team, but also delivered his best performance of the season.

Photo credit: BCCI/IPLT20.com

Having to bowl first for Kings XI Punjab in the VIVO Indian Premier League match against Rajasthan Royals, Tye made early inroads when he foxed RR captain Anikya Rahane in just the fourth over of the match. Later finishing off the job in the final over, Tye picked up wickets of Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Jaydev Unadkat to finish with impressive figures of a season-best 4/34.

Incidentally, this also leapfrogged him to the top of the Purple Cap list again, with a total tally of 16 wickets from 10 matches.

"My grandma passed away today, so I'd like to dedicate this performance to her and all my family,” a teary-eyed Tye said. “This has been an emotional match for me. It was a pretty tough day, I always love playing cricket."

During the match, Tye was also seen celebrating every wicket by kissing an armband on his left forehand, with the letters ‘GRANDMA’ etched on it.

It takes a man of strong character and immense mental strength to soldier on in the face of tragedy, and Andrew Tye did just that. Heartfelt condolences go out to him and his family in these testing times.