'She was the happiest when I got picked in IPL' - KKR's Sheldon Jackson loses his aunt to COVID-19

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) wicketkeeper-batsman Sheldon Jackon isn’t having the best of times. The cricketer is plying his trade for the Knight Riders in the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League and is currently present in their bio bubble in Ahemdabad. However, the 34-year-old has suffered a personal loss as he lost his aunt to coronavirus. 

The situation in India is grim as the second wave of the ongoing coronavirus has created havoc in the country. The medical emergency has also caused a dearth of medical beds, oxygen, and other essentials in the country. Sheldon also faced similar problems as his family was unable to find a hospital bed for the ailing aunt.

On April 30, the batter took to his official Twitter handle to ask for help from authorities and other people in arranging a bed for his aunt. The cricketer was helped by other players as they started looking out for resources. Sheldon finally received help from the BCCI secretary Jay Shah on the same day as Shah arranged a bed in Bhavnagar for his aunt.

Sheldon Jackson expresses his gratitude to Jay Shah

Sheldon took to Twitter to express his gratitude as he wrote, “Very grateful to you sir @JayShah for your assurance to take care of my aunt’s medical needs. I also Thank all my senior cricketers and journalists who helped me in spreading the word so fast.”

In a statement along with the tweet, the batsman added, “This is to confirm that we have managed to get an ICU for my aunty. With all my heart, I want to thank all my seniors for helping me to spread the message. I graciously thank Mr. Jay Shah for showing immediate concern and assuring me all medical assistance towards my aunt. Thank you addl collector Dharmesh Patel sir and Rahul Sanghvi sir for your kind concern and help.”

However, the hospital couldn’t save Jackson’s aunt and she breathed her last on May 3, Monday. The 34-year-old paid tribute to his aunt via his official Twitter handle and also confirmed that he won’t be going back home as his aunt was the happiest one when he was picked by KKR in the IPL auction.

“I have lost my aunt this evening. She was the happiest when I got picked by KKR this season, and so I will continue with the team. I thank everyone who offered us help in the darkest hour, in every possible way, to try and save her. May God be with everyone, may she rest in peace” the keeper tweeted.

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