NEW DELHI — Dilip Doshi, a former Indian spin bowler known for his exceptional skills in cricket, has passed away at the age of 77. The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed his passing on Tuesday, following his death in London a day earlier.
In a show of respect, the Indian and English cricket teams observed a moment of silence before resuming their final day of the test match in Leeds. Doshi, a bespectacled left-arm spinner, made a significant impact in the world of cricket despite making his test debut relatively late at the age of 32 in 1979. This was shortly after the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi retired, creating a space for him to shine. Doshi’s career was distinguished by his achievement of securing 114 wickets across 33 test matches, which included six instances where he took five wickets in a match.
Remarkably, he reached the milestone of 100 test wickets in just 28 matches and maintained an impressive economic rate of 2.25. Apart from test cricket, Doshi also played in 15 One Day Internationals, though he stepped away from international cricket in 1983 due to dissatisfaction with the administration of the sport in India at the time. In first-class cricket, Doshi was also prolific, capturing a total of 898 wickets over 238 matches.
The cricketing community has come together to honor Doshi’s contribution to the sport. Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar expressed his condolences, sharing fond memories of their first meeting in 1990 during a tour in the UK. Tendulkar reminisced about bowling sessions and warm interactions with Doshi, stating, “He was really fond of me, and I reciprocated his feelings. A warm-hearted soul like Dilipbhai will be deeply missed. I will miss those cricketing conversations which we invariably had.”
Roger Binny, President of the BCCI, honored Doshi’s legacy in a heartfelt statement. “It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of Dilip Doshi. He was a true artist of spin bowling, a gentleman both on and off the field, and a dedicated servant of Indian cricket. His impact on the game was immense, and he inspired a generation of cricketers with his skill and dedication. His contribution to Indian cricket will always be remembered.”
The cricketing world mourns the loss of a player who was not only an artist of the game but also an influence and mentor to many. His career continues to be celebrated, even as he makes his final bow.