By Raju Vernekar
Mumbai, Aug 12:
Karan Tiwari, a 27-year old cricketer, suspected to be suffering from depression, committed suicide at his residence by hanging to a ceiling fan in Konu Compound, Gokuldham, at Kurar village in Malad in North Mumbai, at about 10.30 PM on Monday night.
Karan went to his room and locked the door. By the time the door was broken, he was found dead. No death note was found and the police registered the death as an “Accidental Death (ADR)”. “We have registered an ADR and investigations are on,” Senior Police Inspector Babasaheb Salunkhe, at Kurar police station said.
Karan had no job and was said to be ruined by the COVID-19 pandemic break. He was living with his mother and brother. Earlier he had called one of his friends in Mumbai and had told him about the current scenario of his career where he was not getting a proper chance to show up his talent as a result of which he was depressed. He was stated to be depressed since he was not included in proposed IPL team for the season slated to start from 19 September onwards in UAE.
He had reportedly called his friend in Udaipur (Rajasthan) to inform him that may end his life. In turn the said friend reportedly informed his sister residing in Udaipur. The sister called his mother, to console Karan, but by then, it was too late.
Karan, a medium pacer, had bowled in the Mumbai Ranji Trophy nets at bowling practice session at Wankhede Stadium in South Mumbai earlier. He was known as ‘junior Dale Steyn’ in local cricket for his physique and bowling action resembling to the South African cricketer. He played for Souvenir Cricket Club and United Friends Sports Club and recently completed a Level 1 coaching course at local level. But he had no job.
He was struggling to get a chance to play in the senior team and had reportedly tried on many occasions but had failed. As per BCCI rules, only those players who have represented a state team in any age category are eligible to enter the IPL auction.
Many of his friends and players paid condolences on hearing the news of his death. Actor Jitu Verma, who was his closest friend, stated that Karan had been struggling in the game for many years. Mumbai senior team coach, Vinayak Samant also said he was trying to find a good local club for Karan.
The pause on the cricket due to the COVID-19 pandemic across the country has been troublesome for many such cricketers like Karan, with many players contemplating their future.
