The cricketing world is mourning the loss of one of India’s finest left-arm spinners, Dilip Doshi, who passed away in London on Monday, June 23, at the age of 77. Known for his guile, grit, and graceful bowling action, Doshi’s contribution to Indian cricket went far beyond the numbers on the scorecard.
Born in 1947, Doshi was a late entrant to the international arena, making his Test debut in 1979 at the age of 32. Yet, he made an immediate impact. In his brief but significant international career, he played 33 Tests for India, taking 114 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls. In the 15 One-Day Internationals he featured in, he claimed 22 wickets.
Before stepping into the limelight of international cricket, Doshi had already established himself as a force in domestic cricket. He made his first-class debut in the 1968-69 season and went on to play 238 first-class matches, capturing an impressive 898 wickets, with 43 five-wicket hauls and six 10-wicket match hauls to his name. He represented Bengal and Saurashtra, contributing greatly to their cricketing fortunes.
Doshi’s strategic mind and deep understanding of spin bowling earned admiration from cricket legends around the world. The iconic Sir Garfield Sobers once said, “Dilip Doshi has an immeasurable knowledge to pass on to those who want to follow his path into professional cricket. He has played at all levels around the world, and there can be no one more qualified to talk about the art of spin bowling.”
Apart from being a stellar player, Doshi was remembered as a man of great integrity and wisdom. Former BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah, a close friend, shared a heartfelt tribute: “Dilip was not only one of the legendary cricketers, but also one of the finest human beings I have ever known. His noble heart, integrity, and priceless dedication to the game made him truly special.”
Jaydev Shah, President of the Saurashtra Cricket Association, echoed similar sentiments, calling Doshi a mentor and a guiding figure. “His passing is an irreparable loss to the cricketing fraternity, and to all of us who had the honour of knowing him. He was not just a legendary cricketer—my uncle, mentor, and someone I looked up to throughout my life.”
Dilip Doshi is survived by his wife Kalindi, son Nayan, and daughter Visakha. His legacy — as a tactician, teacher, and timeless spinner — will forever remain etched in Indian cricket history.