Former Mumbai cricketer Padmakar Shivalkar passed away on Monday, March 3rd, at the age of 84. A talented left-arm spinner, Shivalkar represented Mumbai for two decades. Despite his prolonged domestic success, he was unfortunately never selected for the Indian national team. This was partly due to playing during the same period as Bishan Singh Bedi, another prominent left-arm spinner who became a mainstay of the Indian team.
Sunil Gavaskar expressed his sadness, stating, “This is truly heartbreaking news. Mumbai cricket has recently lost two of its pillars, Milind and now Padmakar, both instrumental in numerous victories.” Gavaskar had previously acknowledged Shivalkar as one of his cricket idols in his book, Idols.
Shivalkar’s first-class career began in the 1961/62 season when he was 21 years old. He continued to play for Mumbai until the age of 47 in the 1987/88 season. Throughout his impressive career, he participated in 124 first-class matches and claimed 589 wickets. This remarkable tally includes 42 instances of taking five wickets in an innings and 13 instances of taking ten wickets in a match. In the Ranji Trophy final of the 1972/73 season against Tamil Nadu, Shivalkar delivered exceptional performances, taking 8 wickets for 16 runs and 5 wickets for 18 runs, contributing significantly to Mumbai’s 15th consecutive title victory.
Gavaskar further added, “One of my regrets as captain of India is my failure to persuade the national selectors to include ‘Paddy’ in the Test team. He was far more deserving of the India cap than some who received it. Such is fate. He was the bowler who consistently dismissed the opposition’s best batsmen, paving the way for Mumbai’s wins. With his economical run-up and elegant action, he could bowl tirelessly throughout the day. Paddy was truly unique, and I am deeply saddened by his demise. Om Shanti.”
MCA president Ajinkya Naik commented, “Mumbai cricket mourns the loss of a true legend today. Padmakar Shivalkar Sir’s contribution to cricket, particularly as one of the sport’s finest spinners, will forever be remembered. His commitment, skill, and impact on Mumbai cricket are unmatched. His passing is an irreplaceable loss for the entire cricketing community. May his soul rest in peace.”
In 2016, this stalwart of domestic cricket was honored with the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.
