IPL 2018: Kings XI Punjab’s Andrew Tye dedicates Purple Cap to late grandmother

Andrew Tye, the Australian pacer, became the Purple Cap holder during the game against Rajasthan Royals but his achievement was tinged with sadness as he lost his grandmother earlier on Tuesday.

Andrew Tye’s figures of 4-0-34-4 helped him become the Purple Cap holder during the clash at the Sawai Mansingh stadium on Tuesday. (MATCH REPORT)

Jaipur: Kings XI Punjab bowler Andrew Tye in action during the IPL 2018 cricket match vs Rajasthan Royals at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Tuesday. (PTI)

However, his magnificent achievement was tinged with sadness after the Australian pacer revealed that he had lost his grandmother earlier on Tuesday. (HIGHLIGHTS) (SCORECARD)

During the mid-innings break, a visibly emotional Tye told former South African skipper and current commentator Graeme Smith the sad news. “My grandmother passed away today. I would like to dedicate this to her and to my whole family. It has been a very emotional and tough day,” Tye said, fighting back tears.

During the game, the 31-year-old was sporting an armband in which the words Grandma were written. On being awarded the Purple Cap, Tye became emotional and in a choked voice, he said he always enjoyed playing cricket.

“I love coming down here and putting on a show for the crowd. We have a great bunch of guys,” Tye said.

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Tye, who was picked for Kings XI Punjab for Rs 7.4 crore in the IPL Auction in February 2018, has made a mark in the tournament during his time with Gujarat Lions in 2017.

During the game against Rising Pune Supergiant in Rajkot in 2017, Tye took a hat-trick on his IPL debut by getting rid of Ankit Sharma, Manoj Tiwary and Shardul Thakur to end with figures of 5/17.