Former Indian Cricketers like Virendra Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Aakash Chopra condoled the death of late BJP leader and former DDCA (Delhi Cricket Board President) president Arun Jaitley on Saturday. The BJP leader passed away the age of 66 at the All India Medical Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi today, August 24. The three former Indian cricketers paid condolences to Jaitley on Twitter. Arun Jaitley Demise: Anil Kapoor, Riteish Deshmukh and Other Bollywood Celebs Mourn Former Finance Minister's Death. 

Applauding Jaitley’s role to help many Delhi cricketers, former Indian opener Sehwag wrote on Twitter, “Pained at the passing away of #ArunJaitley ji. Apart from having served greatly in public life, he played a huge role in many players from Delhi getting an opportunity to represent India. There was a time when not many players from Delhi got a chance at the highest level”. But under his leadership at the DDCA, many players including me got a chance to represent India. He listened to needs of the players & was a problem solver. Personally shared a very beautiful relationship with him. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & loved ones. Om Shanti". Arun Jaitley Dies at 66: Former Finance Minister Breathes His Last at AIIMS. 

Virender Sehwag Condoles Arun Jaitley's Death! 

Gautam Gambhir called the former finance minister as his father figure and wrote on Twitter, “A father teaches u to speak but a father figure teaches u to talk. A father teaches u to walk but a father figure teaches u to march on. A father gives u a name but a father figure gives u an identity. A part of me is gone with my Father Figure Shri Arun Jaitley Ji. RIP Sir”.

Gambhir recalls Father Figure!

Former Indian cricketer and currently popular commentator Aakash Chopra also took to Twitter to pay his respects to the late Indian leader. Terming Arun Jaitley as a scholar and cricket lover, Chopra wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear that Mr. Arun Jaitley is no more. A scholar...a cricket lover. Always helpful. Would remember the names of the kids doing well at U-19 level too. World will be poorer in your absence, sir”.

Aakash Chopra Condoles death of former DDCA Prez!

Jaitley was suffering severe health issue over the past few years. He had a severe diabetic condition, for which he underwent a bariatric surgery shortly after being inducted in the PM Modi-led govt in 2014. He also underwent a kidney transplant in 2018.  He was admitted in AIIMS Delhi on August 9 and was closely monitored by a team of doctors. He took his last breath today.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 24, 2019 01:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).