Padmakar Shivalkar: A Legendary Mumbai Cricketer Passes Away at 84

Image credits: Mumbai Cricket Association

Former Mumbai cricketer Padmakar Shivalkar passed away on March 3 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in the world of cricket. The left-arm spinner turned out for Mumbai for 20 years, but never made it to the Indian team, despite his impressive record. Shivalkar played in the same era as fellow left-arm spinner Bishan Singh Bedi, who went on to be one of the bowling pillars of the Indian team throughout his career.

Shivalkar's first-class career spanned from the 1961/62 season to the 1987/88 season, during which he featured in 124 matches, picking 589 wickets - a tally that includes 42 five-wicket hauls and 13 10-fers. He returned figures of 8 for 16 and 5 for 18 in the final of the Ranji Trophy 1972/73 season against Tamil Nadu, helping Mumbai to their 15th successive title. His dedication to the game and his team was unparalleled, and he will always be remembered as one of the finest spinners of all time.

The domestic cricket stalwart received the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, a testament to his contributions to the game. Shivalkar's passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from the cricketing fraternity, with many remembering him as a true legend of the game. The list of his achievements includes:

• 124 first-class matches
• 589 wickets
• 42 five-wicket hauls
• 13 10-fers
• C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016

Shivalkar's teammates and contemporaries have paid tribute to his memory, remembering him as a bowler who could get the best batter from the opposition out and set up wins for Mumbai. He could bowl the whole day with his economic run-up and beautiful action, making him a joy to watch. The cricketing world has lost a true legend, and his passing is an irreplaceable loss to the cricketing fraternity.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also mourned the passing of Padmakar Shivalkar, remembering him as a stalwart of Indian domestic cricket. His contributions to the game, especially as one of the finest spinners of all time, will always be remembered. The BCCI has offered its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire cricketing fraternity, and has remembered him as a true legend of the game.