Kin of departed Bengal U-19 cricketer to keep his memories alive by starting a museum in soon-to-be-constructed room at home
Life has come to a standstill for the Ankit Keshri family after the death of the former Bengal Under-19 captain on April 20. Ankit's family members are still unable to cope up with the loss and still feel his presence.
Ankit, who passed away in a city hospital in Kolkata after colliding with teammate Sourav Mondal during a match between East Bengal and Bhowanipore Club, is still living in the lives of his parents. And to let him live permanently, his father Raj Kumar Keshri has now decided to turn Ankit's soon-to-be-constructed room at the first floor into a museum with his cricketing gear and trophies adorning the space.
"I will put all his belongings in the room so that people come to know that there was a promising cricketer in this family. This is the best way to pay tribute to him as well as remember him forever," said Ankit's father over phone from Kolkata.
The talented cricketer was trying to get under a catch when this incident took place. But the whole incident turned more tragic after it was learnt that Ankit was not originally part of the playing XI and was fielding as the 12th man for his senior teammate and Railways Ranji all-rounder Arnab Nandi at the time of the accident.
"We have still not come to terms with his death. We can't believe that he is no more with us. The day he breathed his last, life has just stopped for us. We have nowhere to go. Looking at his photos, cricket kit, trophies, I can't stop myself from crying," said Keshri Sr.
Keshri Sr runs a small stationery shop in native area, Bhowanipore, and was dependent on Ankit's small earning – that he used to get from playing local club matches – to take care of his family. The entire family was eagerly awaiting his call-up to the Bengal Ranji team and an Indian Premier League contract.
"When Ankit was only eight years, he got hooked to cricket and always dreamt of representing the country. Cricket was his only love," said his father. "He was soon to appear for the IPL selection trials. He was also shortlisted by the CAB for the Ranji camp and was confident of making his debut in the coming season. He would have surely improved our standard of living with his income."
Ankit's elder brother, Deepak, 34, said that he had made a lot of sacrifices to help his younger brother fulfilling his dreams. "I also used to play club cricket for two-three months, but then preferred to join my father's business so as to allow Ankit to concentrate on his game. He had all the qualities of becoming a star cricketer," said Deepak.
Deepak has now been offered a government job by the state government.
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