27-year-old Mumbai club cricketer Karan Tiwari, who was known as “Mumbai’s Dale Steyn” for a similar-looking action to the South African great, was found hanging in his home at his Malad (East) residence on Monday night.

He was popular as ‘Junior Dale Steyn’ amongst his friends for his physique and similar bowling action to the South African and was found hanging from his ceiling fan after his family forced open his bedroom door. The incident took place at 10:30 pm at Konu Compound, Gokuldham.

A friend said that he killed himself because he could not break into any of the eight IPL teams. Notably, only cricketers who have played state-level cricket are selected and while Tiwari was in talks, he had not yet received a call.

Karan played club cricket for Souvenir Cricket Club and United Friends Sports Club and also bowled to Mumbai senior players in nets.

Here is a video of him bowling in RCB nets:

An Accidental Death Report (ADR) has been registered by the police. "We have registered an ADR and investigations are on," Babasaheb Salunkhe, senior Police Inspector at Kurar police station, told Mid-Day.

"Karan called his best friend in Udaipur to inform him that he is going to commit suicide. He was depressed after not getting a chance to play in the IPL. His friend informed Karan's sister who lives in the same city. His sister called his mother, but by then, it was too late. Karan was declared dead before reaching the hospital," the source said.

One of Karan's close friends said: "He was hoping to get selected for a state team. He was in talks with a few of them. He was a very promising cricketer and had uploaded his bowling and batting videos on his last WhatsApp status. It is shocking that he chose to take such a drastic step.”

Police sources also said that Karan was tense as he had no job. He played for Souvenir Cricket Club and United Friends Sports Club and recently completed a Level 1 coaching course.

(Mid-day inputs)