Who was Dirdh Patel? 23-year-old Indian cricketer who died in Air India crash

23-year-old Indian cricketer Dirdh Patel died in the Air India crash

Heartbreaking news about the Air India airline accident are still coming to light, and reports have confirmed that one cricketer was among those killed in the catastrophe. Shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner (AI171) carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members crashed into a nearby medical college complex. Only one survivor emerged from the wreckage, and 241 lives were lost in the horrific catastrophe.

Dirdh Patel, a 23-year-old University of Huddersfield student, was one of the people killed when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed when it was traveling from Ahmedabad to London.

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After graduating from the University of Huddersfield with an MSc in artificial intelligence, the young, aspiring cricket player played for Leeds Modernians Cricket Club - a future tragically cut short by the incident. Originally hailing from Gujarat, he completed 20 matches while earning his Master's degree in 2024, scoring 312 runs and taking 29 wickets for the first XI.

Patel's profound influence on those who knew him was demonstrated by the outpouring of tributes for him from both his cricket club and his lecturers.

Dr. George Bargiannis held Patel, a former pupil of his, in the highest regard. He referred to him as a "exceptional individual" and noted that he took the course with the highest grade.

"Mr Patel was someone I came to know not just for his academic abilities, but for his warmth, passion, and enthusiasm," Dr Bargiannis, a reader in artificial intelligence at the university's school of computing and engineering, said as quoted on the BBC.

"Dirdh was an exceptional individual, always intellectually curious, coming to me during classes with questions that showed deep understanding and commitment.

"He had a clear ability of seeing the bigger picture and how his learning could lead to making a positive impact in the world."

Additionally, he disclosed that Patel kept in contact with him following his graduation from college. He expressed his grief: "His loss is a devastating reminder of how fragile life can be. My thoughts are with his family, friends, fellow students, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. May his memory continue to inspire those of us who had the privilege of sharing a part of his life."

The loss of Patel, who played for Leeds Modernians Cricket Club in 2024, was also acknowledged by the team.

"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Dirdh's family and everyone who knew him," the club stated.

After adjusting to his new work, Patel intended to continue playing cricket, according to a representative for the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior Cricket League.

Additionally, they revealed that his brother Krutik had played for Pool Cricket Club in the past, and both teams paused for a minute in his memory before their weekend games.