Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Cricket Talent Lost: Ranjit Khanwilkar's Tragic End
Ranjit Khanwilkar was a talented cricketer who played for Karnataka.
He was known for his batting and bowling skills.
He had a promising career but faced setbacks when he joined Railways.
He was on his way to finalize his wedding when a train accident happened.
The train fell off a bridge in Kerala, and Ranjit was among those who lost their lives.
His teammates remember him as a fun-loving and talented player who could perform under pressure.
They still wonder what his career could have been if he had survived.
Ranjit Khanwilkar was a 27-year-old all-rounder for Karnataka who died in the 1988 Peruman bridge train tragedy.
He started as a fast bowler in Rajkot and later became a successful batter for Karnataka.
Khanwilkar played crucial innings in Ranji Trophy finals, including a 32-run knock that helped Karnataka win in 1983.
He left Karnataka for Railways due to promises of a faster path to the Indian team, but the move hurt his career.
Khanwilkar was on his way to finalize his wedding when the train he was on derailed and fell into a lake, killing him and 104 others.
- Who
- Ranjit Khanwilkar, a 27-year-old Karnataka all-rounder
- What
- A train accident that took his life
- When
- July 8, 1988, around 1:15 pm
- Where
- Peruman Bridge near Kollam, Kerala
- Why
- The train derailed and fell into Ashtamudi lake
- Name
- Ranjit Khanwilkar
- Age at Death
- 27
- Date of Tragedy
- July 8, 1988
- Location of Tragedy
- Peruman Bridge, Kerala
- First-Class Matches
- 40
- First-Class Runs
- 1637
- First-Class Wickets
- 41
- Notable Teams
- Karnataka, Railways