Former India Spinner Dilip Doshi Dies Aged 77
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- June 25, 2025
- 9:47 am
- 43
- Trending
Dilip Doshi, the former India left-arm spinner, has died at the age of 77. He passed away on Monday in London, where he had been living for decades. His death has left the cricket world mourning a man known not just for his bowling, but also for his grace and dignity.
Dilip Doshi made his Test debut in 1979 when he was already 32. Despite the late start, he impressed right away and finished with 114 wickets in just 33 Test matches. He also played 15 One Day Internationals between 1980 and 1982, claiming 22 wickets with a tight economy rate of 3.96.
Known for his classic left-arm action, Doshi played a key role in continuing the legacy of India’s famous spin quartet. He followed greats like Bishan Singh Bedi and became a strong force in India’s spin department. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar described him as a “warm-hearted soul” and said he would miss their conversations. Former all-rounder Ravi Shastri also remembered him as “a gentleman to the core and a fine, fine bowler.”
Born in Rajkot, Gujarat, Dilip Doshi moved to Kolkata to represent Bengal in first-class cricket. He also played for Saurashtra, Warwickshire, and Nottinghamshire. During his time in England, he grew close to West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers. Sobers helped him refine his craft during his county stint.
Doshi’s performance in the 1981 Melbourne Test stands out. He bowled with a broken toe yet took a five-wicket haul, helping India win the match. After every day’s play, he treated the injury with electrodes to keep swelling down.
Over the years, Dilip Doshi stayed connected to the game. Fans often saw him at matches, sometimes in the company of his close friend Mick Jagger. His cricketing wisdom also reached readers through his autobiography, Spin Punch, where he shared honest insights into the game and his life.
Many who played with him recall him not just as a cricketer, but as a role model. Former cricketers Madan Lal and Ashok Malhotra shared stories that showed Doshi’s discipline, mentorship, and kind nature. Madan Lal even called him the best left-arm spinner India had after Bishan Singh Bedi.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paid tribute to him in a heartfelt message. BCCI president Roger Binny said Doshi was “a true artist of spin bowling” and “a dedicated servant of Indian cricket.”
Doshi is survived by his wife Kalindi, his son Nayan—who also played professional cricket—and his daughter Vishakha.
