23-year-old University of Huddersfield student Dirdh Patel tragically lost his life in the Air India plane crash.
Tragic Air India Crash Claims Life of Promising Cricketer Dirdh Patel
The heartbreaking Air India plane crash continues to reveal sorrowful details, confirming that a young cricketer was among the victims. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner (AI171), carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, hitting a nearby medical college complex. The tragedy claimed 241 lives, with only one survivor.
Among the deceased was 23-year-old Dirdh Patel, a budding cricketer and University of Huddersfield student traveling from Ahmedabad to London. Patel played for Leeds Modernians Cricket Club after completing his MSc in artificial intelligence in 2024. Originating from Gujarat, he had an impressive cricket record—scoring 312 runs and taking 29 wickets for the club’s 1st XI across 20 matches.
Tributes poured in from his professors and teammates alike. Dr. George Bargiannis, Patel’s former professor, described him as an “exceptional individual” who achieved the highest grade in his course, highlighting the profound loss felt by all who knew him.
Remembering Dirdh Patel: A Bright Mind and Passionate Cricketer Lost Too Soon
“Dirdh Patel 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 to see the bigger picture and how his learning could lead to making a positive impact in the world.”
Dr. Bargiannis also shared that Patel kept in touch after graduating and 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.”
A spokesperson for the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior Cricket League revealed that Patel planned to continue his passion for cricket after settling into his new job. They added that his brother, Krutik, was a former player for Pool Cricket Club, and both clubs observed a minute’s silence in Patel’s memory before their weekend matches.