Former India Spinner Dilip Doshi Dies at 77 in London

Former Indian cricketer and renowned left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi has passed away in London on Monday, June 23. He was 77. A close family friend confirmed the news, stating that Doshi breathed his last in the UK. He is survived by his wife Kalindi, son Nayan, and daughter Visakha.

Doshi was a late entrant to international cricket, making his Test debut for India in 1979 at the age of 32. Over the next four years, he featured in 33 Tests and 15 One-Day Internationals, collecting 114 Test wickets including six five-wicket hauls, and 22 wickets in ODIs.

His domestic career began in the 1968-69 season and spanned nearly two decades, culminating in 1986. Across 238 first-class appearances, Doshi claimed an impressive 898 wickets, including 43 five-wicket hauls and six instances of 10 wickets in a match. He represented Bengal and Saurashtra in the domestic circuit and was widely respected for his craft and consistency.

Regarded as a thoughtful cricketer with deep insights into the game, Doshi drew admiration from legends. West Indies great Sir Garfield Sobers had once remarked, "Dilip Doshi has an immeasurable knowledge to pass on to those who want to follow his path into professional cricket. He has played at all levels over the world and there can be no one more qualified to talk about the art of spin bowling."

His passing has left a void in the cricketing community. Former BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah, a close associate of Doshi, shared his heartfelt condolences: "It is an extremely painful and personal loss for me. Dilip was not only one of the legendary cricketers, but also one of the finest human beings I have ever known. His noble heart, integrity, and priceless dedication to the game made him truly special."

Jaydev Shah, President of the Saurashtra Cricket Association, and son of Niranjan Shah, also paid tribute, saying: "His passing is an irreparable loss to the cricketing fraternity, and to all of us who had the honour of knowing him. His legacy, both as a player and a person, will continue to live in our hearts and in the history of cricket. This is an incredibly painful and personal loss for me. He was not just a legendary cricketer - he was my uncle, my mentor, and someone I looked up to throughout my life."

Doshi's legacy as a late-blooming but impactful cricketer, and his enduring contribution to the art of spin, will be remembered with great respect.