Indian Origin Club Cricketer Hareesh Gangadharan Dies During a Match in Dunedin

Hareesh Gangadharan, an Indian origin club cricketer, suddenly died while fielding during a local club game in Dunedin on February 2 (Saturday). The 33-year-old collapsed in the field while playing for his Green Island club side at Sunnyvale after suffering an apparent medical event.

Meanwhile, after bowling two overs, Hareesh Gangadharan complained of shortness of breath. Eventually, he collapsed and couldn’t be revived despite valiant efforts from his teammates, spectators and emergency services. He leaves behind his wife Nisha Hareesh and their three-year-old daughter Gowri.

Shocked by the death, as per statements from his teammates, Hareesh Gangadharan was a fit and healthy man who used to open the batting and bowling for the team. He is representing Green Islands – established in 1930 – for over six seasons. Originally from Kochi, Kerala, Gangadharan came to New Zealand five years ago to marry his wife.

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Also, his teammates described Hareesh as an excellent allrounder. Fellow cricketer Cyrus Barnabas admitted Hareesh Gangadharan longed for three things ahead of the game on Saturday – to score 250, bat their 50 overs, and for a player to score a hundred. Batting first against Albion, the team had achieved all three goals, while Barnabas himself scoring a hundred, supported at the end of his innings by Hareesh who ended on an unbeaten 30 runs.

Green Island Club President John Moyle expressed his condolences following the untoward incident in a statement. He confirmed the news of the demise and admitted that he is heartbroken to hear it.

“I am heartbroken to confirm the news of the very sudden death of our Green Island Cricket Club member while playing yesterday at Sunnyvale,” he said. “Hareesh Gangadharan suffered a medical event and despite all efforts by teammates, the public and emergency services he could not be saved,” he concluded..