Dilip Doshi dies aged 77, with the left-arm spinner representing India in 33 Tests and 15 ODIs between 1979 and 1983.
The 77-year-old former India left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi passed away on Monday. He spent several decades living in London before passing away from heart problems.
In 33 Test matches, Doshi, who bowled with a traditional left-armer’s motion, claimed 114 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls. In 15 ODIs, he also claimed 22 wickets at an economy rate of 3.96. Doshi also represented Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, Bengal, and Saurashtra in first-class cricket.
At the age of 32, Doshi made his Test debut, following in the footsteps of the renowned spin quartet of the 1970s. The legendary Garfield Sobers of the West Indies at Nottinghamshire also had a big impact on him. Due to his disapproval of the way Indian cricket was being administered at the time, Doshi quietly and swiftly left the game in the 1980s. In his candid and captivating autobiography Spin Punch, Doshi also detailed his cricketing days.
“It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of Dilip Doshi,” BCCI president Roger Binny said in a board statement issued on Tuesday. “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.”
According to Doshi, “spin bowling is a battle of wits.” In the 1981 Melbourne Test, which India won, Doshi, who was regarded as a thinking player, demonstrated these traits by taking five wickets and playing a key role. With a fractured toe, Doshi, who used to bowl sporting spectacles, participated in the renowned Test match. In order to control the swelling, he would apply electrodes every evening as part of his treatment.
Doshi frequently attended cricket matches over the years and was frequently seen with Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, with whom he became good friends in 1976. Doshi is survived by his daughter Vishakha, son Nayan, who played for Saurashtra and Surrey, and wife Kalindi.