Former Indian left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi has passed away at the age of 77 due to a cardiac arrest in London, as confirmed by the Saurashtra Cricket Association. His death marks a significant loss to the cricket community, with tributes pouring in from fellow cricketers and fans alike.
Sachin Tendulkar shared a heartfelt remembrance on social media, recalling their first encounter in the UK in 1990. Tendulkar described Doshi as a warm-hearted individual and expressed his sorrow over the loss. In his career, Doshi made his Test debut in 1979 following the retirement of Bishan Singh Bedi and went on to play 33 Tests until 1983, amassing 114 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls. Notably, he achieved a remarkable feat in 1981 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he played despite a fractured toe and claimed five wickets, demonstrating his dedication to the sport.
Doshi’s impact extended beyond international cricket, as he was a stalwart in the English county circuit, playing for Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire over a decade. In domestic cricket, he represented Bengal and Saurashtra, accumulating an impressive 898 wickets in first-class matches with 43 five-wicket hauls. His accuracy and clever flight made him a challenging bowler for international batting line-ups, earning respect from both teammates and opponents.
Niranjan Shah, former BCCI secretary, expressed profound sadness at Doshi’s passing, referring to him as family and one of the finest human beings. Despite his wealth of experience, Doshi was seldom invited to coaching roles after his retirement, a decision that may reflect the complexities of the cricket industry.
This moment serves as a reminder of the values of dedication and resilience in sports and the lasting legacies left by individuals like Dilip Doshi. His contributions to cricket will be remembered, and his spirit will continue to inspire future generations.