India Wears Black Armbands in Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinal to Pay Tribute to Padmakar Shivalkar

Image credits: BCCI

The Indian cricket team has been seen wearing black armbands during the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against Australia in Dubai. This gesture is a tribute to the late Padmakar Shivalkar, a renowned left-arm spinner who passed away at the age of 84 in Mumbai. Shivalkar was a stalwart of Indian domestic cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy, where he played a significant role in Bombay's dominance, winning nine titles between 1965-66 and 1976-77.

Shivalkar's impressive career spanned over two decades, with 589 wickets in 124 first-class matches at an average of 19.69. His ability to generate sharp turn and accuracy made him a nightmare for opposition batters. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed deep sorrow over his demise, acknowledging his unparalleled skill and dedication to the game. BCCI president Roger Binny and secretary Devajit Saikia paid tribute to Shivalkar, recognizing his impact on Indian cricket, especially in Mumbai.

Despite his brilliance, Shivalkar never had the opportunity to represent India at the international level, as his prime coincided with that of the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi. However, his contributions to Indian cricket did not go unnoticed, and he was honored with the prestigious Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. The Indian team's decision to wear black armbands is a testament to Shivalkar's legacy and influence on the sport. The cricket community has come together to pay their respects to a true legend, and his memory will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.

Shivalkar's story is a fascinating one, from his accidental introduction to cricket to his rise as one of the best spinners in the domestic circuit. He was discovered by the great Vinoo Mankad, who advised him to find his own style and not copy others. Shivalkar took this advice to heart and developed a unique approach to the game, which earned him widespread recognition. His most iconic performance came in the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy final, where he single-handedly dismantled Tamil Nadu with figures of 8/16 and 5/18, guiding Mumbai to yet another title.

The list of Shivalkar's achievements is impressive, with some notable performances including:

• 589 wickets in 124 first-class matches at an average of 19.69
• 8/16 and 5/18 in the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy final
• 8/19 and 5/31 in the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy against Mysore
• Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017