Domestic Cricket Legend Padmakar Shivalkar Dies At 84, Sunil Gavaskar Pays Tribute

The legendary Sunil Gavaskar on Monday paid an emotional tribute to Mumbai stalwart and home cricket legend Padmakar Shivalkar, who died right here on the age of 84, saying that the left-arm spinner “deserved India cap more than some others who got it”. Shivalkar, top-of-the-line spinners of the nation who by no means obtained to play for the nationwide workforce, died on Monday attributable to age-related points. Gavaskar penned an emotional message on the passing away of Shivalkar, which follows the demise of ex Mumbai captain and chief selector Milind Rege on February 19.

“This is very sad news indeed. Within a short time Mumbai cricket has lost two of its stalwarts, Milind and now Padmakar who were the architect of many a victory,” Gavaskar wrote in his message.

“One of my regrets as India captain is not being able to convince the national selectors to include ‘Paddy’ in the Test team. He deserved the India cap far more than some others who got it. Thats fate.” Shivalkar made his Ranji Trophy debut on the age of twenty-two and went on to play until 48, along with his First-Class profession spanning from 1961-62 to 1987-88 season.

He performed a complete of 124 First-Class matches and claimed 589 wickets at 19.60 with 361 of these dismissals coming in Ranji Trophy.

Deeply saddened to know concerning the demise of the legendary left-arm spinner and certainly one of India’s home cricket heroes, Padmakar Shivalkar Sir. Heard a number of tales about his exploits in home cricket and the way unlucky he was to not signify the nation. My heartfelt… pic.twitter.com/Rb7pTcw7FI

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 3, 2025

“He was the bowler who would get the best batter from the opposition out and set up wins for Mumbai,” Gavaskar wrote concerning the left-arm spinner who was believed to be one of many best the nation has seen.

“He could bowl the whole day with his economic run up and beautiful action. Paddy was one of a kind and am deeply saddened by his passing away. Om Shanti,” he added.