"I am devastated and at a loss of words to express condolence to such a youngster. I don't know whether it will be right to offer condolence on such a young cricketer. I just came to see him," an emotional-looking Mamata said at the East Bengal tent where his body was brought for the last journey.
She opted not to offer flowers on the young cricketer's body and instead spent about 10 minutes quietly at the tent.
Earlier briefing Mamata about the death of the 20-year-old, state Sports Minister Arup Biswas said: "He was not even in the team. It happened in a matter of four balls as he had come in for replacement for Arnab Nandi who had taken a short break."
Bengal selector Arup Bhattacharya told Mamata that Ankit, a right hand opening batsman, was very promising. "He was in the U-19 World Cup probables (in 2013). Recently, he had scored a double century."
A talented right-hander, Keshri had captained the Bengal U-19 team in Cooch Behar Trophy and was in the 30-member India U-19 probables list for the 2014 Colts World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. He was also playing for Bengal A (U-23 side) in CK Nayudu national Championship.
