Iron-willed Ranjita Rane refused to give up: Ex-Mumbai teammate Payal Vaidya-Kashelkar

The late Ranjita Rane (centre) with Vaishali Tawde (left) and Payal Vaidya-Kashelkar at a hospital recently

Though Ranjita Rane was close to all friends and teammates, bonding with ex-Mumbai teammate Payal Vaidya-Kashelkar was special.

Former Mumbai cricketer Rane, 43, lost her battle with cancer on Wednesday morning.

Vaidya-Kashelkar took Rane to her Talegaon residence in order to take good care of her last March and was with her in hospital for the last 20 days in Mumbai.

"Ranjita did not show signs of giving up. She just sat on her hospital bed for the last 20 days of her life because of a breathing problem," Vaidya-Kashelkar told mid-day on Wednesday.

"Though her aunt Vaishali Tawde, college friend Megha Surve and I were with her, it was she who was boosting our confidence.

"While in Talegaon, she took the initiative to form a welfare group of 15 people. We went to orphanages and visited tribals to help them. Despite suffering from cancer, she kept her anguish aside and was helping others. I have lost my best friend," remarked Vaidya-Kashelkar, 43, who represented Mumbai in 40 first-class games.

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