Former India spinner Dilip Doshi passes away at 77

Time of India

2 days ago

Dilip Doshi (Image credit: Times of India)
LONDON: Former India left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi passed away due to cardiac arrest here on Monday. He was 77. Doshi played 33 Tests and 15 ODIs from 1979 to 1983.
Mourning the death of Doshi, the Saurashtra Cricket Association, whom Doshi represented in first-class cricket, stated, "The SCA is deeply pained and very sad at the passing away of Dilip Doshi, a revered, distinguished, and prominent figure in the world of cricket.
He left for his heavenly abode today in London. He has left behind a rich legacy of sportsmanship, commitment, and excellence. The legendary left-arm spinner was a stalwart of Indian cricket, renowned for his unparalleled skill and dedication to the game."
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Doshi had recently attended the BCCI Awards function and the World Test Championship final at Lord's earlier this month.
"Doshi was a true and spirited Saurashtrian and a legendary left-arm leg-spinner in the cricket world.
Despite his late India debut, he achieved many remarkable milestones and was a pure match-winner. Dilipbhai reached the 100-wicket mark in only 28 Tests. He played 33 Tests and took 114 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls. He played 238 first-class matches, taking a staggering 898 wickets, including 43 five-wicket hauls and six 10-wicket hauls.
In 15 ODIs, he took 22 wickets, including two four-wicket hauls.
These figures say it all about his class."
"Dilipbhai's passion for cricket was exceptional and beyond compare. He rated his five-wicket haul in the Melbourne Test in 1981 against Australia as his best performance. He continued bowling in spite of acute pain due to a fractured toe. He did it because he believed Team India would win the match. Such was the depth of his passion for the game. Sir Garfield Sobers had rightly said that 'Dilip Doshi has an immeasurable knowledge to pass on to those who want to follow his path into professional cricket.
He has played at all levels over the world and there can be no one more qualified to talk about the art of spin bowling.'"
Expressing his "profound grief" at Doshi's passing, Niranjan Shah, former secretary of the BCCI, said: 'It is an extremely painful and personal loss for me. Dilip was not only one of the legendary cricketers, but also one of the finest human beings I have ever known. His noble heart, integrity, and priceless dedication to the game made him truly special.
He was family—someone I shared not just cricketing conversations with, but also a deep bond built on mutual respect and affection.
His presence always brought warmth, humility, and positive energy. The void he leaves behind is beyond words. It is not just the world of cricket, but my own heart that feels his absence deeply. I shall always cherish the beautiful memories and moments we spent together. His legacy will live on through the many lives he inspired.'
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SCA president Jaydev Shah stated: 'His passing is an irreparable loss to the cricketing fraternity, and to all of us who had the honour of knowing him. His legacy, both as a player and a person, will continue to live in our hearts and in the history of cricket. This is an incredibly painful and personal loss for me. He was not just a legendary cricketer—he was my uncle, my mentor, and someone I looked up to throughout my life.
His deep love for the sport, disciplined approach, and graceful conduct made him a role model for generations. For many of us, he was not only a hero on the field but also a guide and a well-wisher off it. Indian cricket has lost a true legend today. Everyone at the SCA conveys his/her heartfelt condolences to the late Dilip Doshi's family and prays to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to his noble soul."
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