New Delhi: Sachin Tendulkar on Monday condoled the demise of young batsman Ankit Keshri, who passed away after a freak on-field collision during a Cricket Association of Bengal's senior one-day knock-out match on April 17.
"Saddened by the demise of Ankit Keshri. A promising career aborted by an unfortunate incident on field. May God give strength to his family and friends to cope with this loss," Tendulkar wrote on his Facebook page.
Read: Another Phillip Hughes like incident, former Bengal U-19 captain succumbs to on-field injury
Keshri was in hospital for the past three days and was showing signs of recovery till Sunday evening when he was given oral food. However, in the early hours of Monday, Keshri suffered a massive cardiac arrest and was put on ventilator before he was declared dead.
The 20-year-old, a talented right-hander, had captained the Bengal U-19 team in Cooch Behar Trophy and was in the 30-member India U-19 probables list for the 2014 Colts World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. He was also playing for Bengal A (U-23 side) in CK Nayudu National Championship.
"Fielding at sweeper cover, Keshri rushed to take the high catch as left-arm pacer Sourav Mondal too ran on his follow through. It was as freak an accident as possible," Bengal A coach Jaideep Mukherjee, who was present at the ground, said.
Even Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, who is connected to cricket through Kolkata Knight Riders, mourned the death of the youngster.
Too young to go…extremely unfortunate & sad. Condolences & prayers for Ankit Keshri & his family. May Allah bless his soul. R.I.P.
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 20, 2015
