Sachin Tendulkar has led the tributes to Bengal U19 captain Ankit Keshri who died on Monday after being seriously injured while fielding during a club match in Kolkata on Friday.
East Bengal batsman Keshri, 20, collided with bowler Sourav Mandal while attempting to take a catch against Bhowanipore in a Cricket Association of Bengal tournament game.
Keshri lost consciousness after the collision but was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitated by team-mate S.S. Singh before being examined by a doctor and subsequently rushed to a private hospital by ambulance.
His father, Raj Keshri, said his son had been talking on Sunday, although still had a fever and nausea. But he suffered a cardiac arrest around midnight on Sunday and died early on Monday morning, officials of the state association said.
Former India captain Tendulkar, the highest runscorer in Test and one-day international history, was among several India stars to offer their condolences following the announcement of the news.
Tendulkar tweeted: "Saddened by the demise of Ankit Keshri. A promising career aborted by an unfortunate incident on field. May God give strength to Ankit's family and friends to cope with this loss #RIP"
India batsman Ajinkya Rahane, who is playing in the Indian Premier League for Rajasthan Royals, said: "Very sad to know about Ankit Keshri. Strength to his family and friends. #RIP"
Delhi Daredevils batsmen Manoj Tiwary wrote: "I'm shocked 2 hear the news of Under-19 player from Bengal named Ankit Kesri's demise due to heart attack. My deepest condolences goes out 2 Ankit Kesri's family and friends.
"A promising player who scored loads of runs at under 19 level and he would have surely played for senior Bengal in two years time. Rest in peace younger brother."
The tragedy comes five months after Australia batsman Phillip Hughes died aged 25 after being hit on the neck by a bouncer in a Sheffield Shield match in Sydney.