Renowned Indian left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi has passed away at the age of 77. The former cricketer, who represented India in both Test and One-Day Internationals, breathed his last in London on Monday, June 23. The news was confirmed by a close family friend.
Dilip Doshi is survived by his wife Kalindi, his son and former cricketer Nayan Doshi, and daughter Visakha.
Dilip Doshi: A Spin Maestro and Late Bloomer
Born in 1947, Dilip Doshi made his international debut for India in 1979 at the age of 32—an unusually late start in the world of cricket. Despite this, he made a significant impact during his short international career, playing 33 Test matches and claiming 114 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls. In 15 ODIs, he picked up 22 wickets, showcasing his skills on limited-overs platforms as well.
Before stepping onto the international stage, Dilip Doshi had already built a solid reputation in domestic cricket. Starting his first-class career in the 1968–69 season, he went on to play 238 matches, taking an impressive 898 wickets. His domestic record includes 43 five-wicket hauls and six 10-wicket match performances, primarily representing Bengal and Saurashtra.
Global Recognition for Dilip Doshi’s Craft
Cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers once praised Doshi’s profound understanding of spin bowling, saying:
“Dilip Doshi has an immeasurable knowledge to pass on to those who want to follow his path into professional cricket.“
Cricketing Fraternity Pays Tribute
Niranjan Shah, former BCCI secretary and a close associate of Dilip Doshi, expressed deep sorrow:
“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.“
Jaydev Shah, president of the Saurashtra Cricket Association, also mourned the loss:
“He was like an uncle, a mentor, and a role model. Dilip Doshi’s legacy, both as a player and a person, will forever live in our hearts and in the history of Indian cricket.“
A Legacy That Will Endure
Dilip Doshi may have entered the international scene later than most, but his skill, consistency, and sportsmanship left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. He remains one of the very few Indian left-arm spinners to succeed at both the domestic and international level with such distinction.
His contributions to Indian cricket, as a player and a mentor, will continue to inspire generations
