BCCI condoles India U-19 trainer Rajesh Sawant's demise

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday condoled the passing away of Under-19 team trainer Rajesh Sawant, who was found dead in his hotel room in Mumbai.

Sawant was on national duty with the India Under-19 team preparing for the series against the touring England Under-19 team.

In a statement, the cricket board said, "BCCI regrets to inform that India Under-19 strength and conditioning trainer Rajesh Sawant passed away, in his sleep, in Mumbai, on Sunday morning."

Sawant, 45, is survived by his wife and daughter.

"On behalf of the BCCI, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and our prayers are with them, to overcome this irreparable loss," said Amitabh Chaudhary, joint secretary, BCCI.

Sawant was supposed to report to training ahead of India's first ODI against England, but since he did not appear, people began looking for him after which he was found dead in his room.

However, BCCI sources confirmed that Sawant died due to cardiac arrest. Meanwhile, the police are still waiting for the medical report.

The India U-19 team is scheduled to play five 50-over games and two four-day games against England.

The ODI series will begin from January 30 at the Wankhede Stadium and will end on February 8 at the same ground.

The 45-year-old had worked as team trainer for the Afghanistan national cricket team as well as with the India A squad.