Francis Xavier Minz, a security guard at Ranchi’s airport, watches passengers pass unnoticed every day. But his heart holds a dream bigger than airport security – to see his son, Robin Minz, walk through those same gates as part of India cricket team.
Robin Minz – Gujarat Titans player in IPL 2024
Robin, the first tribal cricketer with an IPL contract with Gujarat Titans, recently grabbed headlines with his INR 3.60 crore deal. Yet, Francis remains grounded. He knows the journey to the Indian team is long and arduous. “He has just started,” he told Indian Express, his voice filled with both pride and caution.
While Robin chases his cricketing dreams, Francis diligently fulfills his duty. He inspects IDs, ensuring airport security, even as colleagues question his continued work ethic. “There’s more financial security now,” he admits, “but I believe in working as long as I’m healthy.”
Sports is in blood!
Francis himself harbored sporting dreams once. Playing hockey, football, and athletics in his youth, he even received a call for a training camp, but a lack of resources dashed his hopes. Today, he lives vicariously through Robin, finding a renewed passion in his son’s success.
He remembers carving Robin’s first bat from wood, nurturing his talent with a gifted tennis-ball bat, and finally enrolling him in an academy. But Francis avoided being a pushy parent, offering just one piece of advice: “Do it with love, heart, and 100% commitment.” Robin has, so far, lived up to his father’s words.
Influence of MS Dhoni
Francis acknowledges the influence of MS Dhoni, a fellow Ranchiite and Robin’s mentor. He recalls Dhoni’s assurance – “If no team picks him, Chennai Super Kings would.” While Robin aim to thrive in the IPL, Francis waits, dreaming of the day his son enters the airport not as a budding cricketer, but as a national hero. And on that day, perhaps, the security guard who watches everyone will finally be noticed as the father of Robin Minz.
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