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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
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. — 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. — 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 — 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


India Today
8 hours ago
- Sport
- India Today
Air India crash: 23-year-old cricketer among victims
Dirdh Patel, who played cricket for Leeds Modernians Cricket Club, was among the 241 passengers and crew members who died when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, travelling from Ahmedabad to London, crashed on Patel, who studied at the University of Huddersfield, was among the 242 people aboard Air India Flight AI171, which took off from Ahmedabad on 12 June bound for London's Gatwick Airport. Originally from Gujarat, he had recently completed a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence and was preparing to begin a career in the tech to the BBC, Dirdh Patel's former lecturer, Dr George Bargiannis, described him as an "exceptional individual" who achieved the highest grade in his course. Dr Bargiannis, a reader in artificial intelligence at the university's School of Computing and Engineering, said: "Dirdh was someone I came to know not just for his academic abilities, but for his warmth, passion, and enthusiasm." "Dirdh was always intellectually curious," he continued. "He would come to me during classes with questions that reflected deep understanding and commitment. He had a rare ability to see the bigger picture and to understand how his learning could lead to real-world impact."Dr Bargiannis added that he had remained in contact with Mr Patel after graduation. "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."advertisementA talented all-rounder, Mr Patel played as the overseas player for Leeds Modernians Cricket Club during the 2024 season. The club said they were "incredibly saddened" by the news of his death."The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Dirdh's family and everyone who knew him," they said in a statement.A spokesperson for the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior Cricket League said Mr Patel had planned to continue playing cricket "once settled into his new job". His brother Krutik previously played for Pool Cricket Club, and both clubs held a minute's silence before their weekend fixtures as a mark of sources added that Mr Patel had hoped to balance his professional ambitions in technology with his passion for cricket. "He embodied the ideal of a student-athlete," a spokesperson said. "A young man equally committed to his studies and to sport, with an unshakeable work ethic and a bright future ahead."


Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Who was Dirdh Patel, 23-year-old cricketer that tragically died in the Ahmedabad plane crash?
The Air India plane crash continues to unveil heartbreaking details, with reports confirming that a cricketer was among those who lost their life in the tragedy. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner (AI171), carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, went down shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, crashing into a nearby medical college complex. In the tragic incident, 241 lives were lost, with only a single survivor emerging from the wreckage. 23-year-old Dirdh Patel, who was a student at the University of Huddersfield, was among those who lost their lives when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed while en route from Ahmedabad to London. The young budding cricketer played for Leeds Modernians Cricket Club after completing MSc in artificial intelligence at the University of Huddersfield - a future tragically cut short by the incident. He was originally from Gujarat and scored 312 runs and claimed 29 wickets for the 1st XI across 20 matches, all while pursuing his Master's degree in 2024. Tributes flowed in for Patel from both his professors and his cricket club, reflecting the deep impact he had on those who knew him. Dr George Bargiannis reserved high praise for Patel, his former student. He called him an "exceptional individual" and pointed out that he achieved the highest grade on his course. "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." He also revealed that Patel was in touch with him after he completed his university education. 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." Leeds Modernians Cricket Club also expressed its sorrow over the loss of Patel, who was their overseas player during the 2024 season. "The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Dirdh's family and everyone who knew him," the club stated. A spokesperson for the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior Cricket League revealed that Patel had plans to continue pursuing his passion for cricket after settling into his new job. They also shared that his brother, Krutik, had previously been a player for Pool Cricket Club, and both clubs fell silent for a minute in his memory ahead of their weekend matches.