The Indian team has condoled the death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes, who passed away at the St. Vincent's Hospital in Sydney on Thursday.
The 25-year-old collapsed on the pitch after being struck by a bouncer from Sean Abbott in a Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia at the SCG on Tuesday. The player was given CPR at the ground, and was rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery but remained critical in an induced coma.
Hughes succumbed to the injury on Thursday, and Team India - which is currently in Australia to play a four-match Test series - has now paid tribute to the batsman, who was in line to feature for the hosts in the first Test, if skipper Michael Clarke failed his fitness test.
"The touring Indian team joins the cricketing fraternity across the world in offering condolences to the family of Phillip Hughes, who has departed from our midst," read a statement released by the Indian team.
"In this moment of grief, we pray that they are bestowed with divine strength to overcome this unfortunate tragedy. As fellow cricketers we cherish the memories of playing along with him and deeply respect his contribution to the game of cricket."
Hughes has represented Australia in 26 Tests between 2009-2013 and 25 ODIs between 2013-2014.
Meanwhile, a statement on the BCCI website read: "The cricketing fraternity is in a state of shock after hearing the sad news of Australia batsman Phil Hughes' death."
The two-day tour match between Cricket Australia XI and India, scheduled to be played on Friday and Saturday at Adelaide Oval, has been cancelled as a mark of respect to Hughes.
"Today we were reminded that cricket is just a game and it is the characters that play the game that make it so special. We have spoken to the players and the ACA and have made the decision based on the best interest of all concerned," stated Pat Howard Cricket Australia's Executive General Manager of Team Performance.
"We appreciate the support and cooperation shown by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), team management and the India players who have been nothing but respectful during this tragic time."
Former Indian players and cricketing greats Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble also offered condolences via their Twitter accounts. Tendulkar and Kumble had worked with Hughes during his time with IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.
Shocked to hear about Phil. Sad day for cricket. Deepest condolences to family, friends and well wishers. RIP #PhilipHughes
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 27, 2014
Shocking!!! What a tragedy. Untimely death of phil Hughes. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May his soul RIP #Devastated
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 27, 2014
Sad day for cricket @CricketAus Phil Hughes RIP. Knew him whilst he came over to MI, thorough Pro..will miss you. @mipaltan
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) November 27, 2014