Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has emotionally honored Padmakar Shivalkar, the Mumbai cricket icon and domestic cricket legend, who passed away at 84. Gavaskar 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 shared a heartfelt message after Shivalkar’s passing, which follows the death of former Mumbai captain and chief selector Milind Rege on February 19.
“This is truly sad news. Mumbai cricket has recently lost two of its pillars, Milind and Padmakar, both crucial to many victories,” Gavaskar wrote.
“One of my career regrets as India captain is not persuading selectors to include ‘Paddy’ in the Test team. He deserved to represent India more than some who did. That’s just fate.” Shivalkar debuted in the Ranji Trophy at 22 and played until 48, his First-Class career extending from 1961-62 to 1987-88.
He participated in 124 First-Class matches, taking 589 wickets at an average of 19.60, with 361 of these in the Ranji Trophy.
“He was the bowler who consistently dismissed the opposition’s best batsman and secured wins for Mumbai,” Gavaskar commented on Shivalkar, considered one of the country’s best left-arm spinners.
“He could bowl tirelessly with his smooth run-up and beautiful action. Paddy was unique, and I am deeply saddened by his demise. Om Shanti,” he concluded.
