New Delhi: Former India left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi died at the age of 77 due to cardiac arrest in London on Monday.
Doshi played 33 Tests and 15 ODIs for India from 1979 to 1983. He picked 114 wickets in Tests and 22 scalps in the limited-overs format.
Doshi is survived by his wife Kalindi, son Nayan, who played for Surrey and Saurashtra, and daughter Vishakha.
The BCCI mourned the death of the former cricketer who left behind his legacy and left a significant mark in history.
“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,” the post stated.
Dilip Doshi’s unique bowling action became his signature. he claimed 114 wickets in 33 Tests, including six five-wicket hauls. In the ODIs, he scalped 22 wickets in 15 matches and registered an economy rate of 3.96. His first-class career included stints with Saurashtra, Bengal, Warwickshire, and Nottinghamshire.
Doshi debuted for India at the age of 32 after following the footsteps of the famous 1970s spin quartet. West Indies legend Garfield Sobers had a great influence on him at Nottinghamshire. His unique bowling style was praised a lot.
In a conversation with ESPNcricinfo in 2008, Doshi said, “Spin bowling is a battle of wits.”He was known as a thinking cricketer and played a vital role in the Melbourne Test of 1981, which India won.
He exited international cricket in the 1980s, after being dissatisfied by the Indian cricket administration during that time. He has reflected on his cricketing journey and the reason for leaving the team in his autobiography, Spin Punch.
Dilip Doshi was a regular at cricket matches, and he had a lasting friendship with the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger. His son Nayan, who played for Surrey and Saurashtra, carried forward the family’s cricketing legacy.
