Former India cricketer Salim Durani passes away aged 88

Former India cricketer Salim Durani passed away on Sunday at the age of 88. The former Test player died after a prolonged battle with age-related illness as his death was confirmed by sources close to family.

Salim Durani was the only Afghanistan-born player who played Test cricket for India. He was born in Kabul on December 11, 1934. Durani underwent a proximal femoral bone surgery in January after breaking his thigh bone.

Durani was a hard-hitting batter during his days and was a decent left-arm orthodox bowler as well. The player was pivotal in India's historic 2-0 series win against England in 1961-62, where he picked up 8 and 10 wickets in the matches in Kolkata and Chennai (then Madras).

Durani was living with his younger brother Jahangir Durani in Jamnagar in Gujarat.

Salim Durani India Career

Salim Durani played 29 Tests for India, scoring 1202 runs at an average of 25. He scored one hundred and seven fifties in his career. The player was known for his hard-hitting as he hit 126 fours and 15 sixes during his career.

Durani picked up 75 Test wickets with a best bowling figure of 6/73 in an inning. He made his debut as a bowler but then showcased his batting prowess as his career progressed. The player made his debut against Australia in 1960, and then played his final international match against England in 1973.

Durani was also known for his dressing style and fashion sense. He also took a try on the silver screen in a 1973 film named Charitra opposite Bollywood actress Parveen Babi.