The Indian cricketing community was left in shock and sadness after news broke of the passing of former India spinner Dilip Doshi. Several icons of the game, including Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri, and Harbhajan Singh, paid heartfelt tributes to the former left-arm spinner.
Doshi’s cricketing journey was anything but ordinary. Making his Test debut at the age of 32, he was one of the rare cricketers to earn an India cap after a long domestic grind. A left-arm orthodox spinner, Doshi represented India in 33 Tests and 15 ODIs between 1979 and 1983. He claimed 114 Test wickets, often operating as India’s lead spinner in overseas conditions during an era dominated by spin bowling.
Despite being overshadowed at times by the famous Indian spin quartet, Doshi carved out his own identity. Before his India call-up, he had already established himself as a prolific wicket-taker for Bengal and Saurashtra in the domestic circuit, finishing his career with 898 first-class wickets.
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Cricket World Remembers Dilip Doshi
The respect Doshi commanded became evident as some of Indian cricket’s biggest names took to social media to remember him, not just as a player, but as a person.
Sachin Tendulkar, who first met Doshi in the England tour in 1990, wrote:
"I met Dilipbhai for the first time in the UK in 1990, and he bowled to me in the nets on that tour. He was really fond of me, and I reciprocated his feelings. A warm-hearted soul like Dilipbhai will be deeply missed. I will miss those cricketing conversations which we invariably had. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti," Tendulkar wrote on X.
Anil Kumble also remembered the veteran spinner with fondness and offered support to his family.
"Heartbreaking to hear about Dilip bhai's passing. May God give strength to his family and friends to bear this loss. Nayan, thinking of you buddy," Kumble tweeted.
Ravi Shastri, Doshi’s former India teammate, wrote:
"Really sad to hear about the passing of Dilip Doshi. Always immaculate, a gentleman to the core and a fine, fine bowler. Heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace 🙏."
Harbhajan Singh also paid his tribute to Doshi. His tweet read:
"RIP Dilip Doshi sir 🙏🙏🙏 Condolences to family. 💔"
"He Was Like Family" - Former BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah Mourns Dilip Doshi’s Demise
Doshi passed away at the age of 77 after suffering a heart attack in London. The news was confirmed by Saurashtra Cricket Association president Jaydev Shah.
"Dilip bhai suffered a heart attack in London. He is no more," Shah said as quoted to PTI.
Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Niranjan Shah, who shared a close bond with Doshi, expressed his grief.
"Dilip’s passing away is a personal loss to me. He was like a family. He was one of the finest human beings," Shah said.
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