Mumbai cricket legend Padmakar Shivalkar, a stalwart of domestic cricket, passed away at the age of 84. Sunil Gavaskar, in an emotional tribute, stated that the left-arm spinner was more deserving of an India cap than some who received it. Shivalkar, considered one of India’s finest spinners despite never playing for the national team, died on Monday due to age-related health issues. Gavaskar’s heartfelt message follows the recent passing of former Mumbai captain and chief selector Milind Rege on February 19.
“This is truly sad news. Mumbai cricket has lost two of its pillars in a short time, Milind and now Padmakar, both instrumental in numerous victories,” Gavaskar expressed in his message.
“One of my regrets as India captain 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 attained it. Such is fate.” Shivalkar debuted in the Ranji Trophy at 22 and continued playing until 48, with his First-Class career extending from the 1961-62 to 1987-88 season.
Across 124 First-Class matches, he took 589 wickets at an average of 19.60, with 361 of these wickets in the Ranji Trophy.
“He was the bowler who consistently dismissed the opposition’s best batter, setting up Mumbai’s wins,” Gavaskar wrote about Shivalkar, regarded as one of the country’s best left-arm spinners.
“He possessed incredible stamina, capable of bowling all day with his economical run-up and elegant action. Paddy was unique, and I am deeply saddened by his demise. Om Shanti,” he concluded.
