Indian Cricket Mourns the Loss of Legendary Left-Arm Spinner Dilip Doshi

The Indian cricket community is deeply saddened by the passing of Dilip Doshi, the revered left-arm spinner who succumbed to a cardiac arrest in London at the age of 77.

A QUIET LEGEND IN INDIAN SPIN BOWLING

Dilip Doshi’s international career began in 1979, stepping into the limelight after the retirement of the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi. Despite starting his career in the shadow of Bedi, Doshi carved out his own legacy with persistence and skill. Over 33 Test matches until 1983, he took 114 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls, and was particularly dominant on home soil during his initial seasons—reaching 100 wickets in just 28 Tests.

HEARTFELT TRIBUTES FROM CRICKET GREATS

The cricket fraternity has come together in sorrow to honour Doshi’s memory. Sachin Tendulkar led the tributes, reminiscing about their first encounter during the 1990 UK tour. “I met Dilip bhai for the first time in the UK in 1990. He bowled to me in the nets and was incredibly warm-hearted. I will miss our cricketing conversations dearly. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti,” Tendulkar posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Ravi Shastri, former India all-rounder and coach who shared the field with Doshi, remembered him as “always immaculate, a gentleman to the core and a fine, fine bowler.” Shastri expressed his condolences to Doshi’s family, calling the loss “truly heartbreaking.”

PERSONAL MEMORIES FROM PEERS AND PROTEGES

Sunil Joshi, a fellow left-arm spinner and former selector, shared a deeply personal message: “Still can’t believe it — we spoke just last Wednesday, and he sounded well. Heartbroken by the passing of Dilip Doshi sir. A legend on the field, a true gentleman off it. My heartfelt condolences to Nayan and the Doshi family.”

Former captain Anil Kumble was among the first to express his grief: “Heartbreaking to hear about Dilip bhai’s passing. May God give strength to his family and friends. Nayan, thinking of you.”

Parthiv Patel, former wicketkeeper-batsman, shared his shock and sorrow: “I’m heartbroken and still in shock about Dilip uncle… he was truly special. Nayan, sending you all love and strength.”

Manoj Tiwary also paid his respects: “It’s a shock to lose India’s legendary cricketer Dilip Doshi. May God give his family strength to bear this loss. May his soul rest in peace.”

WIDESPREAD CONDOLENCES FROM THE CRICKETING WORLD

Pragyan Ojha, another spinner, expressed his sorrow: “Saddened by the passing of Dilip Doshi sir, a distinguished left-arm spinner who served Indian cricket with grace and grit. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”

Harbhajan Singh, the celebrated off-spinner, simply wrote: “RIP Dilip Doshi sir. Condolences to the family.”

Dilip Doshi’s legacy as a humble and relentless bowler, combined with his gentlemanly nature, leaves an indelible mark on Indian cricket. The fraternity’s heartfelt tributes reflect the respect and affection he earned over the years. May he rest in peace.