Sachin Tendulkar condoled the demise of young batsman Ankit Keshri, who passed away following 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," posted Tendulkar on his Facebook page.
Keshri was in hospital for the past three days and showed signs of recovery till Sunday evening when he was given oral food. However, in the early hours of this morning, he suffered massive cardiac arrest and was put on ventilator before being declared dead.
The 20-year-old, a talented right-hander, had captained the Bengal Under-19 team in the Cooch Behar Trophy and was in the 30-member India Under-19 probables’ list for the 2014 Colts World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. He was also playing for Bengal A (Under-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.
Meanwhile, Twitter too was flooded with condolence message for the departed cricketer. Check some of them:
Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk):
Too young to go…extremely unfortunate & sad. Condolences & prayers for Ankit Keshri & his family. May Allah bless his soul. R.I.P.
Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25)
Shocked to hear the news of Ankit Keshri's demise. My thoughts and prayers with the family. #RIPAnkitKeshri
Harbhajan Singh (@harbhajan_singh)
Life teaches u just how unpredictable it is. Saddened 2hear of a young loss in cricket.An upcoming cricketer Ankit Keshri! Gone 2soon!RIP
Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik)
Saddened by d tragic death of such young sportsman. Ankit Keshri. My deepest condolences 2his family. Life is unpredictable. life is now.
Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)
Heart goes out to young Ankit Keshri's family...who knew that the game you loved the most will take away your life too. Unfortunate. RIP.
ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88)
Very sad to know about Ankit Keshri. Strength to his family and friends. #RIP
johan botha (@johan_botha)
Did not know Ankit Keshri, but sad to hear the news!! Thinking & praying for his family+teammates. Another young player gone too soon. #RIP
Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth)
there is no solace when a parent grieves for a child. hope god gives them the strength. prayers with Ankit Keshri's family
Mohammad Kaif (@KaifSays)
RIP #AnkitKeshri , am at loss of words on this unfortunate incident, may god give strength to family and close ones!
Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45)
Just heard about the tragic incident with Ankit Keshri. RIP young one. Heart goes out to his family.
