Indian club cricketer dies after on-field collision

A 20-year-old Indian club cricketer died Monday after sustaining an injury from a freak on-field collision with a teammate during a club match in Kolkata.

Ankit Keshri, described by Indian media as a talented and promising batsman, was the former captain of the under-19 team in the Indian state of Bengal.

The collision took place Friday when Keshri, a right-handed batsman and leg-spinner, came on as a substitute fielder for his club and collided with a teammate as both players went for a high catch.

He briefly lost consciousness but was resuscitated by a team mate, following which, he was rushed to hospital.

“It's so unfortunate. He was such a promising cricketer and for him to pass away in such a manner is difficult to swallow,” said Subir Ganguly, the joint secretary of the state's cricket association.

The Times of India said Keshri was in hospital for the past three days and was showing signs of recovery until Sunday when he was given oral food. However, he suffered a massive cardiac arrest Monday morning and was put on ventilator before he was declared dead.

The incident takes place four months after Australia cricketer Phillip Hughes died after being hit by a bouncer.

In November, Hughes passed away at the age of 25, two days after he was struck in the neck by a bouncer with the incident sparking a massive outpouring of grief across the world.