Bowled Out at 77—India Bids Farewell to Dilip Doshi, the Maestro of Left-Arm Spin

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The cricket world saw one of its ever-gritty and ever-elegant veterans depart in the form of Dilip Doshi, the former Indian left-arm spinner, who passed away on June 23, 2025, in London due to cardiac arrest at the age of 77. With his classic bowling action and late-blooming international career, Doshi passes away with a legacy of grittiness, poise, and abiding passion for the game.

1. A Spin Career Carved

Doshi made his Test debut for India at 32 in 1979, unheard of in modern cricket.
He played 33 Tests for India, with 114 wickets, six of them five-filters.
In 15 ODIs, he has 22 wickets to his credit at an economy rate of 3.96.
His first-class career was fruitful, claiming 898 wickets in 238 matches for Saurashtra, Bengal, Warwickshire, and Nottinghamshire.

2. A Gentleman of the Game

With his cricketing mind, Doshi was a revered man, and Sir Garfield Sobers recalled him as a man with "immeasurable knowledge to impart to those who seek to follow his path."
He is best known for his great performance at the 1981 Melbourne Test when he bowled with a fractured toe to spearhead India to a historic win.
Off the ground, he was admired for his humility, integrity, and mentorship, and was usually found guiding young cricketers and staying in contact with the cricketing community.

3. Tributes Pour In

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement mourning him as "a revered and distinguished figure in the world of cricket."
His former colleagues and cricketing associations, including the Saurashtra Cricket Association, remembered him as a "true match-winner and a noble soul."

He is left behind by his wife Kalindi, son Nayan (former Surrey and Saurashtra cricketer), and daughter Vishakha.

Sources: Times of India, ESPNcricinfo, India Today, News18