Remembering Dilip Doshi: A Gentle Giant of Indian Spin Bowling
I still remember the first time I heard about Dilip Doshi—not just as a cricketer, but as a man whose elegance with the ball was matched only by the grace with which he carried himself off the field. And now, as the cricketing world mourns his passing at the age of 77, the memories and tributes come flooding in, none more touching than that of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
Sachin shared a heartfelt post that genuinely moved me. He spoke of meeting Dilip Doshi in the UK back in 1990, when the future "Little Master" was still finding his feet in international cricket. Doshi bowled to him in the nets and from that moment on, a warm bond was formed between the veteran spinner and the budding genius. “He was really fond of me, and I reciprocated his feelings,” Tendulkar wrote. And those simple words carried the weight of deep respect and affection. It wasn’t just about cricket—it was about connection, about human warmth, about the shared spirit of the game.
Dilip Doshi’s legacy is extraordinary, even if his name isn’t always the first to be mentioned among India’s greats. Making his Test debut in 1979 after Bishan Singh Bedi’s retirement, Doshi went on to play 33 Tests, collecting 114 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls. That’s not a minor feat by any stretch—especially when you consider he started his international career at 31, an age when many players are already past their peak.
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His most iconic moment? Undoubtedly the 1981 Melbourne Test. Despite bowling with a fractured toe, Doshi delivered a spell of unmatched grit and determination, helping India defend a modest total and earning five crucial wickets. That match remains a testament to his resolve and cricketing intelligence.
But his influence wasn’t limited to Indian pitches. Doshi was a giant in English county cricket, playing over a decade with Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire. He also made his mark in India’s domestic scene with Bengal and Saurashtra, ending his first-class career with a staggering 898 wickets. That's a number that speaks volumes—43 five-wicket hauls, a work ethic that never wavered, and a technique that mastered the art of left-arm orthodox spin.
And yet, post-retirement, he quietly faded into the background, building a successful business life in London. He was never quite pulled back into the Indian cricketing system as a coach or mentor, which now feels like a missed opportunity. Imagine the insights and wisdom a man like Doshi could have passed down to young spinners.
The tributes from the cricketing fraternity have poured in, from Ravi Shastri and Anil Kumble to Sunil Joshi, each echoing the same sentiment—Dilip Doshi was not only a great cricketer but a finer human being. A gentleman in every sense.
Today, as we bid farewell to a legend, I find myself reflecting on what makes someone truly memorable. For Doshi, it wasn’t just the wickets or the matches—it was his humility, his love for the game, and the connections he forged with everyone who crossed his path. In Sachin’s words, “A warm-hearted soul like Dilipbhai will be deeply missed.” And he truly will be.
Rest in peace, Dilip Doshi. Om Shanti.
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