Former Indian left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi passed away on Monday in London due to heart complications. He was 77. Doshi, a classical slow bowler, played 33 Tests and 15 ODIs for India, claiming 114 and 22 wickets respectively. His career included six five-wicket hauls in Tests, cementing his place as a reliable spinner in the post-quartet era.
Doshi made his Test debut in 1979 at the age of 32, filling the void left by India’s famed spin quartet—Bedi, Chandrasekhar, Prasanna, and Venkataraghavan. Despite his late start, he quickly became a vital part of the team, playing his last Test against Pakistan in 1983. His economical bowling in ODIs, with an impressive economy rate of 3.96, showcased his control and skill.
While Doshi excelled with the ball, his batting was notoriously poor. With an average of just 4.60, he holds the unenviable record for the most innings (38) at No. 11 without ever batting higher. His struggles with the bat became a humorous footnote in his otherwise distinguished career.
Born in Rajkot in 1947, Doshi later settled in London. Post-retirement, he authored “Spin Punch,” a memoir detailing his cricketing journey and insights into Indian cricket. His contributions to the game, both on and off the field, will be remembered by fans and peers alike. The cricketing world pays tribute to a true spinner of the old school.