At 90, India’s oldest Test cricketer Chandu Patankar gets COVID-19 shot

Former cricketer Dr Chandu Patankar receives his first COVID-19 vaccine at a hospital in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai yesterday

India's oldest surviving Test cricketer, Dr Chandu Patankar, 90, received his first Coronavirus vaccine at Dr GD Pol Foundation's hospital in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai on Wednesday.

Patankar had to travel around 35kms from his Parel residence to Kharghar for the jab.

"It was a wonderful experience. Nothing to worry. Everyone, especially every cricketer must take advantage of this and get the COVID-19 vaccination," Patankar told mid-day on Wednesday. Patankar, who had registered for this vaccine, will now have to take the second shot after 20 days.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Patankar, who represented the country in one Test against New Zealand at Kolkata in 1955-56, said: "I was also trying to get in touch with somebody from BCCI to provide some assistance for cricketers regarding this service. However, fortunately I got some reference here [in Kharghar]. Though it was quite far [from Parel] it was a very good experience. Dr Pol and his team made very good arrangements."

Patankar advised all senior cricketers to have their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine as early as possible and suggested that national as well as state cricketing bodies like BCCI and Mumbai Cricket Association help cricketers in this regard.

"I would suggest some arrangement be made area-wise to help senior cricketers at least. I fortunately had a car and my son-in- law took me to Kharghar for this vaccination," remarked Patankar.