Milind Rege, former Mumbai skipper and respected figure in domestic cricket, passed away after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday, merely days after turning 76. Rege, who turned 76 last Sunday, was admitted in the ICU of Breach Candy Hospital here and breathed his last around 6 am on Wednesday morning. He is survived by his wife and two sons. At 26, the all-rounder suffered a heart attack but returned to the cricket field and later captained Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.
He played 52 first-class matches from 1966-67 to 1977-78, taking 126 wickets with right-arm off-breaks. He also batted splendidly, scoring 1,532 runs at an average of 23.56.
Rege was a childhood friend who went to the same school and college as former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, and played alongside him at the Dadar Union Sporting Club.
As one of the most revered figures in Mumbai and domestic cricket, Rege wore many hats during his career, and his association with the Mumbai Cricket Association included a consultant role.
Mumbai’s cricket team, which is currently playing the Ranji Trophy semifinal match against Vidarbha in Nagpur, took to the field wearing black armbands on the third day to pay tribute to Rege.
“We are deeply saddened at the passing away of Milind Rege Sir. A stalwart of Mumbai cricket, his contributions as a player, selector, and mentor were invaluable,” MCA president Ajinkya Naik said in a statement.
“His guidance has shaped generations of cricketers, and his legacy will be celebrated for ages to come.”
Investigate On This: Fast Facts: The Geezer Who Laid Eyes On the Rosy Side.
Condolences go out to his family and all who hold him dear,” he continued.
