Cricketing world reacts to ‘Junior Steyn’ Karan Tiwari dying by suicide

On Monday, August 10, Karan Tiwari, a club cricketer from Mumbai, died by suicide. The 27-year-old was found hanging at his residence in Malad. It was learned that he was under severe depression after missing his selection for the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The COVID-19 pandemic, apart from accounting for lives, has affected people psychologically as well.

As far as Tiwari was concerned, he was referred to as ‘Junior Steyn’ because of his similarity in bowling action along with South African veteran Dale Steyn. Karan was found hanging from his ceiling fan in his room. His family became suspicious after he kept his room locked for a long time. Thereafter, they forced open into his bedroom to find out the situation.

Another dreadful incident in 2020

Even the police stated that Karan was under depression because he was unable to get through any IPL teams. The tournament is set to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 19 to November 10. As per the rules laid by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), if a player has represented his state team, only then he’s available to take part in the IPL.

It was also learned that Karan had a significant amount of experience, bowling to IPL teams at the Wankhede Stadium, also the Mumbai Indians’ home ground. Karan’s close friend also talked about how the cricketer was desperate to find a contract for his state team.

“He was hoping to get selected for a state team. He was in talks with a few of them. He was a very promising cricketer and had uploaded his bowling and batting videos on his last WhatsApp status. It is shocking that he chose to take such a drastic step. Police sources also said that Karan was tense as he had no job,” Karan’s friend was quoted as saying.

“He played for Souvenir Cricket Club and United Friends Sports Club and recently completed a Level 1 coaching course,” he added.

In the meantime, the cricketing world on the social media platforms is absolutely distraught. They dropped in their condolences for Tiwari.

Here’s how Twitterati reacted to Karan Tiwari’s demise: –

People who are going after success in cricket or any other field for that matter, must be shown different career options all through their school and college life. #lifeisajourney

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 14, 2020

So so true. I sometimes feel there is an element of "I am a cricketer and I can't be seen doing the kind of things you guys do…." If I had to design a curriculum for cricketers, the first thing I would teach is to respect all professions; that if one doesn't work, try another. https://t.co/JXsJGwwJeQ

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 14, 2020

IMHO Too many kids are encouraged n allowed to leave the classroom for the field at an early age without realising both are interwined . Emphasis has to be on school/college cricket and not academy cricket for youngsters, unfortunately that's not the case in most places . https://t.co/ntJlFw4jfY

— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) August 14, 2020

The suicide of a young cricketer #karantiwari is a pointer to all parents, coaches,mentors to help players who have to face rejection. It is not the end , its only a part of the journey. Playing this great game will teach you more about living life than ending it.

— shishir hattangadi (@shishhattangadi) August 14, 2020