‘ECG, IV fluids…’: Palash Muchhal’s mother recalls how her son broke down and ended up in hospital

The wedding of Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has been postponed after an extraordinary sequence of events saw both her father and fiancé admitted to hospital within 24 hours, casting a cloud of anxiety over what was meant to be a period of celebration for the families.

Mandhana’s father, Shrinivas Mandhana, was rushed to Sarvhit Hospital in Sangli on Sunday after developing what doctors described as heart-attack-like symptoms. The sudden health scare occurred just as the families were finalising arrangements for the wedding ceremonies, including the planned baraat. According to medical staff, his condition appeared to have been triggered by acute physical and emotional stress linked to the busy run-up to the wedding.

Family members recalled that Shrinivas had been in high spirits only a day earlier. He had reportedly danced energetically during pre-wedding festivities and had been active on social media, sharing celebratory posts. The change came abruptly. While preparations were underway, he began to experience discomfort, initially choosing not to alert anyone. As the symptoms worsened, an ambulance was summoned and he was taken to hospital.

The distress surrounding Shrinivas’s health soon reverberated through the wider family. On Monday, reports emerged that Palash Muchhal, the groom-to-be, had also been taken ill and admitted to a hospital in Sangli after breaking down emotionally. Speaking to Hindustan Times, his mother, Amita Muchhal, said that Palash shares a particularly deep bond with Shrinivas — “even closer than with Smriti,” she remarked — and the anxiety of seeing him unwell became too overwhelming for him to bear.

Amita recounted the moment Palash began to falter: “He became extremely emotional and started crying, and suddenly his health deteriorated. The stress was simply too much.” Although he had been advised to remain indoors following the haldi ceremony, the emotional pressure intensified as news of Shrinivas’s condition spread. Hospital staff kept Palash under observation for around four hours while he underwent tests and received IV fluids. He is currently resting and recovering.

In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Amita revealed that the decision to postpone the wedding was first suggested by Palash himself. “When uncle fell ill, Palash was the one who said the wedding should not go ahead until he recovers. He took that decision even before Smriti did.” Only the pheras remained to be completed when the families collectively agreed to halt the ceremonies.

The couple had been scheduled to marry on 23 November in Sangli, after a series of pre-wedding functions. With the abrupt halt to the celebrations, Amita said she immediately cancelled all remaining events planned for 24 November, including the special welcome she had prepared for the newlyweds.

Both families are said to be deeply affected by the turn of events. “Smriti and Palash are both in pain,” Amita said. “Palash had been dreaming of bringing his bride home. But right now, the priority is everyone’s health.” Despite the disruption, she remains optimistic about the wedding taking place soon, once Shrinivas is fully recovered. “Everything will be fine. The wedding will happen very soon.”

While the couple and their families navigate a period of unexpected emotional upheaval, well-wishers across the cricketing community have extended their support, hoping for a swift recovery for both Shrinivas Mandhana and Palash. As per reports, celebrations will pause as the families focus on regaining a sense of calm after an emotional and physically taxing week. (With inputs from Agencies)