MUMBAI: Sandeep Patil has become the first high-profile former India cricketer to get himself vaccinated to prevent himself against the dreaded Covid-19 virus. On Tuesday, Patil, 64, received the Covishield vaccine shot at the Covid Jumbo Centre in BKC.
“It was an excellent facility,” Patil told TOI.
From Monday, all the citizens above 60 and above 45, but those with comorbidities, are eligible for vaccination to prevent Covid-19. Patil, who was a hard-hitting batsman, was one of the heroes of India’s 1983 World Cup triumph, stroking an unbeaten 51 against England in the semifinal.
Patil’s close relative, former India speedster and current Mumbai chief selector Salil Ankola on Sunday revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19. The former speedster took to Facebook and Instagram to share the news. “Bringing in my birthday tomorrow with COVID19 catching up with me. Unforgettable birthday. It’s scary to go through this but will be needing all your blessings to come through with this. Will be back soon full throttle,” Ankola wrote on his Facebook and Instagram account.
Patil’s son Chirag is married to Ankola’s daughter Sana. A massive wildlife lover, he has been a director at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), national chief selector and in 2003, coached Kenya to the semifinals of the World Cup.