Saying that the left-arm spinner deserved more than others who received it, the iconic Sunil Gavaskar paid an emotional tribute on Monday to the Mumbai great and domestic cricket legend Padmakar Shivalkar, who died at 84 here. One of the top country spinners who never made it to the national team, Shivalkar passed away Monday of age-related causes. Following the death of former Mumbai captain and chief selector February 19, Gavaskar wrote a poignant tribute for Shivalkar.
Really, quite deplorable news. Mumbai cricket has lost two of its pillars in quick succession, Milind and now Padmakar, who were the mastermind of many a victory,” Gavaskar noted in his message.
As captain of India, one of my regrets is not having been able to persuade the national selectors to add &’Paddy&’ to the Test team. He really earned the India cap more than others who received it. Shivalkar debuted for the Ranji Trophy at 22 years old and played until he was 48 years old; his First-Class career spanned from the 1961-62 to the 1987-88 season. Thats destiny.”
Having 124 First-Class games and 589 wickets at 19.60 with 361 of Ranji Trophy dismissals, he played.
Gavaskar wrote about the left-arm spinner thought to be one of India’s greatest: “He was the bowler who would best styme opposition batsman and arrange victories for Mumbai.”
With his economic run up and beautiful action, he could bowl the whole day. Paddy was unique, and I am very sorry for his passing. Om Shanti,” he interjected.