Who is Dirdh Patel? From cricket fields to AI labs, a rising star lost in Ahmedabad plane crash
At only 23, Dirdh Patel had already carved out a unique space for himself, not just as a rising cricket talent, but as a sharp academic mind with a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence. A student at the University of Huddersfield, Dirdh was known among his professors for his curiosity and commitment to learning. Not just a cricketer: a brilliant mind in AI
Dr George Bargiannis, who taught him during his studies, remembered Dirdh as someone whose questions during lectures reflected a genuine passion for technology and its potential to create real-world change. Dr Bargiannis noted that Dirdh's presence in the classroom stood out, describing him as intellectually gifted and deeply engaged with the bigger picture.
A passenger on seat 11A survived the Air India crash.
He's a British national called Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. pic.twitter.com/xctfVBuPA4 — Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) June 12, 2025 A standout on the cricket field
While Dirdh's academic accomplishments were admirable, his love for cricket remained close to his heart. He played for Leeds Modernians Cricket Club during the 2024 season, scoring 312 runs and taking 29 wickets across 20 matches. Teammates and league members remembered him as a dedicated all-rounder who brought both skill and spirit to the game.
According to the Airedale & Wharfedale Senior Cricket League, Dirdh had plans to continue playing as an Overseas Born English Resident player after settling into his new life and job in the UK. Tragically, those plans will never come to fruition.
The league has announced a minute's silence before all matches involving Leeds Modernians this weekend, paying tribute to a teammate whose legacy will live on through both numbers on the pitch and memories in the locker room.
Message from Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India. pic.twitter.com/o1wQnReCaG — Air India (@airindia) June 14, 2025 A life cut short in tragedy
Dirdh Patel was among the 274 victims of the Air India crash involving flight AI 171, a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8, which went down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad last Thursday. The aircraft was en route to London when it lost altitude moments after take-off and crashed, killing nearly all on board.
Campbell Wilson, #AirIndia's MD & CEO, traveled to Ahmedabad to visit the B. J. Medical College crash site and nearby treatment centers for survivors. He expressed profound sorrow and underscored the airline's full cooperation with authorities.
📸 ©️Air India#AI171 #India pic.twitter.com/13MoT1ao9Y — FlightMode (@FlightModeblog) June 14, 2025
Dirdh had been one of 241 passengers and crew members killed. His death, alongside hundreds of others, has left his family, friends, university peers, and teammates in mourning. Remembering a life full of promise
Those who knew Dirdh describe him as a beacon of ambition and kindness, a young man who balanced academics and sport with remarkable grace. He had dreams of using artificial intelligence to make the world a better place and of continuing his journey in cricket. Now, the world mourns what could have been. First Published: Jun 17, 2025, 11:44 IST
I am your go-to girl for all things entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle. With three years of experience, I have got an eye for spotting trends that'll leave you craving for more. Whether it's the latest in fashion or the hottest celebrity gossip, I am is always on top of what's next—and ready to spill all the tea in the most fun way possible. Keep following for more fun stuff! Read More
17/6/2025 12:2:26
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
WME Sports signs defenseman Haoxi Wang, China's rising hockey star with NHL dreams
Haoxi Wang (via X) Chinese defenseman Haoxi Simon Wang is one step closer to global fame as WME Sports officially inks the 17-year-old for marketing and commercial representation. The Beijing-born skater is rated as one of the best ice hockey prospects in China and should be taken in the later first or early second round of the 2025 NHL Draft, to be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. WME Sports to raise Haoxi Wang 's profile as 2025 NHL Draft approaches Haoxi Wang, a standout talent emerging from China's small but determined hockey scene, has been signed by WME Sports in a move that could shape the next phase of his young career. While most attention is on his draft status for the 2025 NHL Draft, WME's focus will be to grow Haoxi Wang's commercial appeal globally—especially across North America and China. Haoxi Wang's signing marks a milestone, as he becomes the first Chinese ice hockey player to sign with WME's expanding hockey division. The agency seeks to establish his presence far beyond the ice—into fashion, entertainment, and international media. HAOXI WANG's Rise to Fame in 2025 - The Next 'Big' Thing in the OHL? With a cross-continental support team behind him, Wang is likely to be a marketing trailblazer for Chinese hockey players. If he gets an NHL roster spot, he'd be the first Chinese-born player in the league—a cultural and athletic milestone. Though his playing deals may still be negotiated by another agency, WME signing an indication of an even greater goal: turning Wang into an across-sport face. Haoxi Wang first stepped onto North American ice in 2019, skating in the Greater Ontario Hockey League. Currently, left-wing Kevin He—currently suiting up for the Niagara IceDogs—is the top-drafted Chinese-born NHLer after he was drafted 109th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2024 draft. Expected to break that record, Wang will be taking on a new legacy for pro hockey's Chinese players. Also read: 'ARE YOU INSANE?': NHL fans blast Florida Panthers over outrageous Game 6 ticket prices Haoxi Wang's signing with WME Sports is more than an auspicious move for his professional future—it's a watershed moment for Chinese representation in hockey. As the 2025 NHL Draft creeps around the corner, everyone will be watching this young Beijing defenseman. With skill and strategic support behind him, Wang is set not only to get drafted but also to become a face of hockey's international future.
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Katie Boulter speaks out on ‘disgusting' online abuse, death threats: ‘You really don't know if…'
Katie Boulter is opening up about 'disgusting' online abuse she and her family have faced. In a conversation with BBC, the 28-year-old athlete, currently ranked British No. 2, revealed she regularly receives vile and threatening messages from strangers, often after both wins and losses. She also shared screenshots that included disturbing texts such as: 'Hope you get cancer' and 'candles and a coffin for your entire family.' Katie Boulter explained that the abuse tends to intensify around her matches, including an instance when a death threat was sent while she was competing in the first round of the 2025 French Open against Carole Monnet — a match she won. 'Go to hell, I lost money my mother sent me,' another message to her read. These messages reflect the anger of online gamblers lashing out when they lose bets. It is a dangerous trend increasingly common in the sports world. Boutler described the feeling of helplessness, saying it's hard to shake the fear that someone might actually be nearby. 'It becomes more apparent every single time you go on your phone,' she said, adding, 'You really don't know if this person is on site, if they're nearby or if they know where you live or anything like that.' ALSO READ: Tennis-Raducanu leads British trio into second round at Queen's Club Alongside the threats, Katie Boulter also highlighted another distressing issue: receiving explicit messages and images. She shared that she has received several such messages herself and is particularly alarmed by the idea of younger players being exposed to this level of harassment. She emphasized that young athletes should be shielded from such disturbing content. 'I've had quite a few of those sorts of things, [explicit images] that's also a larger problem,' the athlete said. 'As far as death threats, it's just not something you want to be reading straight after an emotional loss,' the player added, noting that abuse isn't limited to defeats, it often follows victories too. Katie Boulter is a professional tennis player from the United Kingdom, currently ranked British No. 2. She is 28 years old. She played and won her first-round match at the 2025 French Open against Carole Monnet.
The Hindu
4 hours ago
- The Hindu
Katie Boulter says death threats and abuse highlight dark side of tennis betting
British tennis player Katie Boulter has told the BBC she received death threats targeting her and her family during the French Open, saying in an interview that online abuse has become the norm and that she is worried about the impact it will have on younger players. Boulter, who is 28-year-old and ranked No. 39 in the WTA, said she believes many of the abusive messages are sent by people who are placing bets on tennis matches. The messages threatening her loved ones was sent during her French Open first-round match against Carole Monnet on May 29. After losing the first-set tie-break, Boulter won the match 6-7 (4), 6-1. 6-1. But the loss of the tiebreaker prompted the outrage. 'Hope you get cancer,' said one message. Another mentioned damaging her 'grandmother's grave if she's not dead by tomorrow' and 'candles and a coffin for your entire family.' A third said: 'Go to hell, I lost money my mother sent me.' Boulter, who shared with the BBC screenshots of the messages, said she is worried about the toll the widespread abuse takes on younger players. 'At the very start of my career, it's probably something I took very personally... getting comments about the way you look,' she said. 'It becomes more apparent every single time you go on your phone. 'I think it increases in number and it also increases in the level of things that people say. I don't think there's anything off the cards now.' ALSO READ | Chennai Open back on WTA calendar after three years Many other players have previously reported online abuse. In a bid to try to protect athletes from that sort of abuse, the International Tennis Federation (ITF), Women's Tennis Association (WTA), All England Lawn Tennis Club and United States Tennis Association in 2023 launched the Threat Matrix. The program monitors public-facing social accounts for abusive and threatening content on social networks. It also provides support for players. Despite years of reporting online abuse, Boulter said the volume has become overwhelming — and her concern now lies with protecting those coming up behind her. 'I think that by the end of where I am right now, I think there is just too many to almost do that,' she said. 'As a tennis player, I just want to see and protect some of the younger players that come through and try to find a way around this whole situation.' According to statistics provided to the BBC by data science firm Signify, the ITF and WTA, about 8,000 abusive, violent or threatening messages were sent publicly to 458 tennis players through their social media accounts in 2024. Boulter, who received abuse after wins as well as losses, said a lot of it comes from people who have placed bets on her matches. 'As far as death threats, it's just not something you want to be reading straight after an emotional loss,' she said. 'A lot of the time you get it after you win as well.' According to Signify, angry gamblers sent 40% of all detected abuse, with messages clearly related to betting activity because of the timing or content of the abuse. Boulter said she is getting ready for the level of abuse to increase when she plays at Wimbledon, her home Grand Slam. The grass-court tournament starts June 30. Related Topics Katie Boulter
