Legendary spinner Dilip Doshi passes away due to a cardiac arrest in London

New Delhi (India) June 24: A devastated Indian cricket community joined in mourning and respect to honour legendary left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi, who passed away in London after suffering a cardiac arrest.

BCCI posted, “The BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India spinner, Dilip Doshi, who has unfortunately passed away in London. May his soul rest in peace" on social media platform X.

Doshi, who spent four years between 1979 and 1983 playing 33 Test matches and 15 ODIs, passed away in London, where he had lived for many years. He died of a heart attack. Doshi is survived by his son Nayan and wife Kalindi.

Mr. Roger Binny, President, BCCI has said, "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. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and the entire cricketing fraternity during this difficult time.”

Doshi made his Test debut in 1979 and played his final 33 games in 1983. He grabbed 114 wickets in those games, including six five-wicket hauls. In his first three seasons, he was outstanding at home, taking 100 wickets in just 28 Test matches.

Doshi took 22 ODI wickets and 114 Test wickets. Doshi, a late bloomer who made his debut at 30, is still one of the few cricketers to take 100 wickets. Doshi really recorded numbers of 6/103 on his Test debut, drawing a match against the all-star Australian team in 1979. He claimed a match-haul of 8/103 in the same series, driving India to a historic innings victory. Doshi went to the World Test Championship final and the BCCI awards ceremony at Lord's earlier this month.

Doshi quickly and quietly left international cricket in the 1980s because he disagreed with the management of Indian cricket at the time. In his candid and captivating autobiography Spin Punch, Doshi also detailed his cricketing days.

Doshi has represented Saurashtra and Bengal in the Indian domestic circuit. He has even played for Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire.

The Saurashtra Cricket Board paid tribute to Doshi by saying "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" in a statement.

Aadrika Tayal