Former India spinner Dilip Doshi passes away at 77

Dilip Doshi, former India spinner, is no more. A close family friend of the former left-arm spinner, who represented India in 33 Tests and 15 ODIs, said Doshi died in London on Monday (June 23). He was 77 and is survived by his wife Kalindi, a son Nayan, and daughter Visakha.

A late bloomer in international cricket, Doshi played for India between 1979-83, making debut at the age of 32. He claimed 114 wickets with six five-wicket hauls in his 33 appearances for India in the longest format. In 15 ODIs, he took 22 wickets.

Debuting in domestics in the 1968-69 season, Doshi played 238 first-class matches until retirement in 1986, and took 898 wickets with 43 five-fors. He also had six 10-wicket hauls in domestic cricket, where he represented Bengal and Saurashtra.

Sir Garfield Sobers had once said of Doshi: "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."

Niranjan Shah, a former secretary of the BCCI, expressed grief. "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," Shah, a close associate of Doshi, said.

Jaydev Shah, president of Saurashtra Cricket Association, said Doshi was like an uncle to him. "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."