A grieving Indian cricket fraternity united in sorrow to honor the memory of former left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi, who passed away at the age of 77 in London following a cardiac arrest.
Though much of his early playing days were spent under the shadow of the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi, Dilip Doshi.earned his own place in Indian cricket through determination and consistency.
Among those leading the tributes was cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who fondly remembered meeting Dilip Doshi.during India’s 1990 tour of the UK.
“I first met Dilip bhai in 1990 in the UK, and he bowled to me in the nets. He was always affectionate toward me, and I shared the same warmth for him,” Tendulkar wrote on X.
“He had a generous heart and a deep love for the game. I’ll truly miss our cricket chats. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.”
Former India all-rounder and coach Ravi Shastri, who played alongside Dilip Doshi., praised him as a refined individual and a top-class bowler.
“Very saddened by Dilip Doshi’s passing. He was always impeccably dressed, a true gentleman, and a superb bowler. My deepest condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.”
Ex-wicketkeeper-batter Farokh Engineer also expressed his sorrow, calling Dilip Doshi.a “dear friend.”
“I was shocked when I heard the news. He stayed with me for a time when he first came to England. It’s heartbreaking. My heartfelt condolences to Kalindhi and the entire family. Rest in peace, my friend,” Engineer told PTI.
Dilip Doshi made his Test debut in 1979 following Bishan Singh Bedi’s retirement and played his final international match in 1983. Over the course of 33 Tests, he claimed 114 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls. Particularly dominant in his first three seasons at home, Doshi reached the milestone of 100 wickets in just 28 matches—an impressive feat.
Former India cricketer and selector Sunil Joshi, also a left-arm spinner, shared a heartfelt tribute:
“It’s hard to accept—he and I spoke just last Wednesday, and he seemed fine. I’m devastated by the passing of Dilip Doshi Sir. He was a legend on the field and a true gentleman off it. He meant so much to me personally. My deepest condolences to Nayan and the Doshi family,” Joshi wrote on X.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also honored Doshi’s legacy.
BCCI President Roger Binny stated, “We are deeply saddened by Dilip Doshi’s passing. He was a master of spin bowling and a true gentleman who served Indian cricket with dedication. His influence on the game was profound, inspiring generations of players. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and the entire cricket community.”
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia added, “Dilip Doshi was not only a remarkable cricketer but also a wonderful human being. His passion for cricket shone through every delivery he bowled. Calm by nature, yet fiercely competitive, he left a lasting impact on the sport.”
Tributes poured in from across the cricketing world:
- Former India captain Anil Kumble wrote, “Devastated to hear of Dilip bhai’s passing. My thoughts are with Nayan and the family. May they find strength during this difficult time.”
- Ex-India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel posted, “Still in shock and heartbroken over Dilip uncle’s passing. He was truly a special person. Sending love and strength to Nayan and the entire family.”
- Cricketer-turned-politician Manoj Tiwary expressed, “It’s shocking. Dilip Doshi, a legendary figure in Indian cricket, has left us at 77 following a cardiac arrest in London. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find strength.”
- Former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha said, “Saddened to hear about the passing of Dilip Doshi sir, a remarkable left-arm spinner who served Indian cricket with dedication and poise. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
- Harbhajan Singh also paid respects, joining the chorus of heartfelt tributes that celebrated not just Doshi’s cricketing legacy, but also his dignity and warmth as a person.