Vikas Malhotra: Cricket player’s death a reminder to see bigger picture

The heartache and pain of the tragic death of a Coast cricket player is a sobering reminder of the bigger picture, writes Brent O’Neill.

ALMOST four years ago to the day, Australian cricket was rocked by the death of Test star Phil Hughes.

On Saturday, tragedy hit even closer to home for the Gold Coast cricket community with the passing of Queens stalwart Vikas Malhotra.

Sadly for all involved in the third grade encounter between the Centaurs and Surfers Paradise, it will be a day they will never forget.

But if there is one thing to take from the heartache and pain, it is a sobering reminder of the bigger picture.

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Vikas Malhotra died over the weekend, leaving friends and family devastated. Picture: Brett Amos

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The pursuit of premiership glory and the competitive fire that burns within teams and individuals can often lead players to forget cricket is, after all, just a game.

To use a cliche, no-one is playing for sheep stations, especially at the Cricket Gold Coast level.

On and off-field banter, sledging or “mental disintegration” can often go too far.

Hopefully this tragedy can, at the very least, help even the occasional sledger remember everyone is out there to enjoy the game and the camaraderie that comes with it.

Many Queens players lost a mate of more than 20 years on Saturday, while Surfers coach Scott Day described what the Demons involved went through as “mind blowing”.

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The cricket community is in mourning. Picture: Brett Amos

Malhotra will no doubt be honoured by Queens, CGC and the wider cricket community in the days, weeks and years to come, and players would do well to use those occasions to take stock of how they will be remembered as a cricketer and a person.

By all reports, Malhotra was a popular player and like most Indians, a cricket tragic.

In some small way, perhaps we can take heart from the fact he died doing what he loved.

Let’s hope his death can have a positive impact on the game across the Coast.