Delhi: The ICC Champions Trophy is being played between India and Australia in the Dubai International Stadium in the semi -finals of 2025. The Indian team is playing with a black band in this match, which is for paying tribute to the late Padmakar Shivalkar.
Who was Padmakar Shivalkar?
Padmakar Shivalkar was one of the great spin bowlers of Indian cricket who never got a chance to play for the Indian team. He played a total of 124 first class matches between 1961–62 and 1987-88 and took 589 wickets at an average of 19.69. In the Ranji Trophy, he took 361 wickets for Mumbai, in which he took 10 or more wickets 11 times. Apart from this, he also took 16 wickets in 12 List A matches. In 2017, he was awarded the CK Naidu Lifetime Achievement Award by the Cricket Board of India (BCCI).
1. Personal Information:
• Name: Padmakar Shivalkar
• Age: 84 (at the time of passing)
• Role: Legendary Left-Arm Spinner
• Known for: His Pivotal Role in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy success in the 1960s and 70s
• Passed Away: Monday in Mumbai2. Cricket Career:
• Played: 124… pic.twitter.com/ten4igluto– The_fourth_Pillar (@The_ivpillar) March 4, 2025
The Board of Cricket in India (BCCI) wrote on ‘X’, ‘The Indian team is playing a black belt in honor of the late Padmakar Shivalkar.’
In honor of the late Shri Padmakar Shivalkar, Team India is Wearing Black Armbands Today.
– BCCI (@Bcci) March 4, 2025
Gavaskar and Shastri praised
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar once said, “The biggest regret during my captaincy was that I could not forbid the selectors to include Padmakar Shivalkar in the Indian team.” He was more entitled to some other players to get the cap of Team India. But luck, there was something else approved. He was always a bowler to win the match for Mumbai. “
Former Indian coach and all-rounder Ravi Shastri also praised his bowling and said, “Shivalkar ji was not a 3-4 wicket bowler, when he was in rhythm, he used to take 6-7 wickets. He was a player of big occasions. “
Contribution to Mumbai cricket
Padmakar Shivalkar was an important part of Mumbai cricket and his role was very big in Mumbai’s 15 -year Vijay Yatra in the Ranji Trophy. However, his career was in the Indian team when he dominated the great spin quartet of India, due to which he could not get a chance in the national team.
Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Ajinkya Naik said, “Mumbai cricket has lost a true veteran today. Padmakar Shivalkar Sir’s contribution to the game, especially as one of the best spinners, will always be remembered. His dedication, skill and influence on Mumbai cricket are unmatched.
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