Bengal cricketer, Ankit Keshri dies after crash while fielding

Ankit Keshri, a promising Bengal batsman, suffered a cardiac arrest on Monday morning after being hospitalised for three days after being injured in an on-field mishap. He was critically hurt in a match between East Bengal and Bhowani-pore club on April 17 after coming as a substitute. The match was played at Jadavpur University’s Salt Lake campus when Keshri collided with fellow player Sourav Mondal while attempting a high catch. He fell unconscious and blood spurted out of his mouth. He was immediately rushed to AMRI Hospital in Salt Lake, and put on a ventilator. He was shifted Sunday evening to Nightingale Hospital, where he died Monday morning.

 

Ankit's death left Bengal’s cricketing circles in shock. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered her condolences. “Saddened, shocked with the news of young cricketer Ankit’s death as a result of an on-field accident. My condolences and prayers. Rest in Peace,” Ms Banerjee wrote on Twitter.

 

The cricketer, who lived at Bansdroni in South Kolkata, had captained the Bengal U-19 team in the Cooch Behar Trophy and was in the 30-member India U-19 probables list for the 2014 Colts World Cup in UAE. He was also playing for Bengal ‘A’ (U-23 side) in the C.K. Nayadu national championship. Ankit’s father Rajkishor Keshri, alleged medical negligence had led to his son’s death. “He did not receive proper treatment. Whom should I blame now? He was a good cricketer and it’s an irreparable loss,” Mr Keshri said.