NEW DELHI: Dilip Doshi, the former Indian left-arm spinner and one of the last torchbearers of India’s golden era of spin bowling, has passed away in London at the age of 77, according to Indian media reports.
Doshi, remembered as both a formidable bowler and a gentleman, made his Test debut in 1979 at the relatively late age of 30, but quickly made an impact with his consistent performances. He went on to play 33 Test matches, claiming 114 wickets, and represented India in 15 One-Day Internationals between 1980 and 1982.
Tributes from Cricket Legends
Indian cricket legends and former teammates took to social media to express their sorrow and celebrate Doshi’s legacy.
Sachin Tendulkar described Doshi as a “warm-hearted soul,” adding that he would miss their thoughtful cricketing conversations.
Former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri hailed him as “a gentleman to the core and a fine, fine bowler.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also paid tribute, recognizing his role in extending India’s world-renowned spin tradition.
A Link in India’s Legendary Spin Chain
Often seen as a spiritual successor to the iconic spin quartet of Bishan Singh Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, Srinivas Venkataraghavan, and Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, Doshi was admired for his accuracy, flight, and ability to deceive batsmen on any surface.
Recognizable by his signature spectacles, Doshi also enjoyed a successful English County Cricket career, most notably with Nottinghamshire, where he earned a reputation for troubling some of the best batsmen in the world.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to Indian and international cricket will long be remembered.
