BENGAL CRICKETER DIES AFTER CRASH WHILE FIELDING
Ankit Keshri, a promising Bengal batsman, succumbed to his injuries on Monday, three days after suffering a freak on-field collision with another player during the Cricket Association of Bengal's one-day knockout match.
The death of the former Bengal Under-19 captain brought back memories of Australian cricketer Phil Hughes, who died after being hit with a bouncer four months ago.
Ankit, 20, was a righthanded batsman and leg spinner.
Bengal cricketer succumbs to on-ground injury
DC CORRESPONDENT 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 Bhowanipore 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.
The CEO of AMRI Hospital in Salt Lake, Mr Rupak Barua, said East Bengal club officials had shifted the injured cricketer to another hospital on a personal risk bond when doctors at AMRI wanted to conduct further tests. “The CT scan report showed no internal damage. As the report showed nothing, we decided to perform further tests to assess internal damage. However, East Bengal officials were deter- mined to shift him to another hospital,” Mr Barua said.
Defending its decision to shift Ankit, CAB treasurer Biswarup De said: “He was shifted for better treatment. We wanted the opinion of a specialist neurosurgeon and find better support for him.”
Ankit’s brother Deepak Keshri said the condition of the cricketer deteriorated when he was shifted to another hospital. Doctors at Nightingale said: “His condition deteriorated last night. He suffered a cardiac arrest in the morning. Despite our efforts, we could not revive his heart.”
The cricketer’s body was taken to CAB office and the East Bengal Club, where players paid their tributes.