The Indian cricket community is steeped in sorrow following the demise of former left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi, who passed away in London on Monday at the age of 77 due to cardiac arrest. The news, confirmed by the Saurashtra Cricket Association, has triggered a wave of heartfelt tributes from cricketing luminaries and former teammates, all mourning the loss of a true gentleman of the game.
Remembering Indian cricket legend Dilip Doshi
Doshi’s international career was a testament to perseverance. He defied conventional timelines, making his Test debut in 1979 at the seasoned age of 32, after years of consistently impressive performances in the domestic circuit. Despite this late start, he carved out a significant niche for himself, representing India in 33 Tests and 15 One Day Internationals until 1983. A master of subtle variations and pinpoint accuracy, Doshi claimed 114 wickets in Test cricket, including six memorable five-wicket hauls. His effectiveness was particularly pronounced on home soil, where he secured an impressive 100 wickets within his first 28 matches. One of his most iconic displays came in 1981 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where, battling through the pain of a fractured toe, he delivered a heroic five-wicket haul that proved instrumental in India’s successful defense of a modest total.
Cricket fraternity pays homage to the most-respected left-arm spinner
Tributes have poured in from across the cricketing spectrum, led by none other than batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar. Recalling his first encounter with Doshi in the UK in 1990, Tendulkar shared an emotional message on social media. “I met Dilipbhai for the first time in the UK in 1990, and he bowled to me in the nets on that tour,” Tendulkar wrote. “He was really fond of me, and I reciprocated his feelings. A warm-hearted soul like Dilipbhai will be deeply missed. I will miss those cricketing conversations which we invariably had. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.”
Former India all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri, a contemporary of Doshi on the field, remembered him fondly. “Always immaculate, a gentleman to the core and a fine, fine bowler. Heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace,” Shastri posted, highlighting Doshi’s unwavering class both on and off the pitch.
Other prominent figures also conveyed their profound sadness. Legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble expressed, “Heartbreaking to hear about Dilip bhai’s passing. May God give strength to his family and friends to bear this loss. Nayan, thinking of you buddy.” Parthiv Patel affectionately referred to him as “Dilip uncle,” stating he was “heartbroken and still in shock,” while Sunil Joshi described Doshi’s death as “deeply personal,” recalling a recent conversation with the late spinner, underscoring the personal connections Doshi forged throughout his life.
Here are the reactions:
I met Dilipbhai for the first time in the UK in 1990, and he bowled to me in the nets on that tour. He was really fond of me, and I reciprocated his feelings. A warm-hearted soul like Dilipbhai will be deeply missed. I will miss those cricketing conversations which we invariably… pic.twitter.com/2UPQe7nc2j
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 23, 2025
Really sad to hear about the passing of Dilip Doshi. Always immaculate, a gentleman to the core and a fine, fine bowler. Heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) June 23, 2025
“I’m heartbroken and still in shock about dilip uncle… he was truly special. nayan Thinking of you all with love and strength.”
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) June 23, 2025
RIP Dilip Doshi sir Condolences to family. pic.twitter.com/BObvyMhyEb
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 23, 2025
Heartbreaking to hear about Dilip bhai’s passing. May God give strength to his family and friends to bear this loss. Nayan, thinking of you buddy.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 23, 2025
Really sad to hear about the passing of Dilip Doshi Sir. Always enjoyed talking about the game with him. Heartfelt condolences to Nayan and his entire family. May his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/zm9AqI2TWr
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) June 24, 2025
Saddened to hear about the passing of Dilip Doshi sir, a distinguished left-arm spinner who served Indian cricket with grace and grit. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/8BdtuAslWc
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) June 23, 2025
A fine left-arm spinner and a true legend of the sport.
Rest in peace, Dilip Doshi ji. pic.twitter.com/ecwaS2OuYO
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) June 24, 2025
The BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India spinner, Dilip Doshi, who has unfortunately passed away in London.
May his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/odvkxV2s9a
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 23, 2025
A name etched in Indian cricket’s history!
Rest in peace, Dilip Doshi Sir! Condolences to his family and loved ones pic.twitter.com/5r1HVNMfWU
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) June 24, 2025
Still can’t believe it,We spoke just last Wednesday,& he sounded well.Heartbroken by the passing of Dilip Doshi Sir a legend on the field,a true gentleman off it,he meant a lot to me,& this loss is deeply personal,My heartfelt condolences to Nayan & the Doshi family. pic.twitter.com/bXsXK3eXpP
— Sunil Joshi | ಸುನಿಲ್ ಜೋಶಿ (@SunilJoshi_Spin) June 24, 2025
A cricketing great, remembered always!
Rest in peace, Dilip Doshi pic.twitter.com/6yxlfgZ5J1
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) June 24, 2025
The art of spin has lost its craftsman. Rest in peace, Dilip Doshi sir!
A left-arm orthodox spinner who debuted at 32, he still amassed 114 Test wickets in 33 tests, including six five-wicket hauls, 898 wickets in first-class cricket, and 22 wickets in 15 ODIs, a legacy… pic.twitter.com/SZPZMsCNvf
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) June 24, 2025
Deeply saddened by the passing of former Indian spinner, Dilip Doshi ji.
May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/Viqw6hBWmk
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) June 24, 2025
114 Test wickets. Six 5-wicket hauls. But a legacy far greater than those milestones.
RIP Dilip Doshi Ji – one of the finest left-arm spinners of our country. pic.twitter.com/wh75sDvHpT
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) June 24, 2025
A legacy beyond the international stage
Doshi’s influence extended far beyond his international appearances. He was a colossal figure in Indian domestic cricket, representing both Bengal and Saurashtra with distinction and amassing a remarkable 898 wickets in 238 first-class matches. His talent also saw him enjoy a successful county career in England, gracing the pitches for Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire. He was renowned for his unwavering pinpoint accuracy and the clever flight he imparted on the ball, earning the respect of teammates and opponents. His integrity and sportsmanship solidified his reputation as a true gentleman of the game, a legacy that will undoubtedly endure.
Doshi is survived by his wife Kalindi, his son Nayan, who himself pursued a career in first-class cricket, and his daughter Vishakha.
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