London / June 24, 2025 — Former India left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi, one of the most notable late bloomers in Indian cricket, passed away on Monday, June 23, at the age of 77. Doshi died in London, a family friend confirmed. He is survived by a son and a daughter.
A Remarkable Cricketing Journey
Dilip Rasiklal Doshi’s international cricket career began unusually late — he debuted for India in 1979 at the age of 32 and played until 1983. In a brief but impactful Test career, Doshi featured in 33 matches, picking up 114 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls. In ODIs, he played 15 games, claiming 22 wickets.
Before and after his international stint, Doshi was a dominant force in domestic cricket. Representing Bengal and Saurashtra, he played a staggering 238 first-class matches, scalping 898 wickets before retiring in 1986. His left-arm spin earned him a reputation as a tireless and skillful bowler across generations.
Tributes Pour In
Cheteshwar Pujara, speaking after the end of play in the ongoing India vs England Test at Leeds, shared a heartfelt tribute:
“I’ve met him many times… a gem of a person, very soft spoken. He lived here [in the UK], so whenever I was playing county cricket for Sussex, I met him often, even in London. He had a soft corner for Saurashtra players. He used to text me whenever I did well for the Indian team. I always loved interacting with him.”
Former BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah expressed deep sorrow over Doshi’s passing:
“It is an extremely painful and personal loss for me. Dilip was not only one of the legendary cricketers but also one of the finest human beings I have ever known. His noble heart, integrity, and priceless dedication to the game made him truly special.”
Jaydev Shah, President of the Saurashtra Cricket Association, called Doshi his mentor and uncle:
“His passing is an irreparable loss to the cricketing fraternity and to all of us who had the honour of knowing him. He was not just a legendary cricketer—he was my uncle, my mentor, and someone I looked up to throughout my life.”
Legacy Beyond the Pitch
Dilip Doshi’s contribution to Indian cricket extends beyond numbers. He belonged to a rare breed of cricketers who broke into the national side purely on merit despite age being a factor — a testament to his unwavering persistence and skill. His impact on younger generations, especially in Saurashtra, and his dignified presence in the cricketing world will continue to be remembered with deep respect.
