Former Indian left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi passed away from a heart attack in London on Monday, as confirmed by the Saurashtra Cricket Association. He was 77 and is survived by his wife Kalindi, son Nayan, who also played first-class cricket, and daughter Vishakha.
Doshi made his Test debut in 1979 after Bishan Singh Bedi retired and played his last game in 1983, with a total of 33 Test matches under his belt. He took 114 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls, and had a standout performance during his first few seasons, reaching 100 wickets in just 28 Tests. His best moment came in 1981 when he took five wickets in India’s victory at the MCG, even while dealing with a fractured toe.
He also had a successful career in English county cricket, playing for Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire for over a decade. Jaydev Shah, the Saurashtra CA president, shared the news of Doshi’s passing, noting it as a personal loss. Former BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah remembered him as a wonderful person and part of his family.
In the Indian domestic scene, he was a key player for Bengal and Saurashtra, ending with an impressive 898 first-class wickets and 43 five-wicket hauls. While Bedi might be regarded as India’s best left-arm spinner, Doshi was known for his accuracy and skillful bowling. He had a friendly rivalry with players like Javed Miandad, who often joked with him during matches.
After retiring, Doshi moved to London and found success in business, splitting his time between London, Mumbai, and Rajkot. It was surprising that the BCCI never tapped into his experience. Former India captain Anil Kumble was one of the first to share his condolences, expressing his heartbreak over Doshi’s passing and offering support to his family.