We are sad to share that Mumbai cricket has lost a great player, Mr. Padmakar Shivalkar. He was a well-known left-arm spin bowler in India and passed away on Monday at the age of 84. Even though he played very well in domestic cricket, he never got a chance to play for India in international matches. His career shows his talent, hard work, and unlucky moments. Let’s remember him and learn more about his life, achievements, and the mark he left behind.
Who Was Padmakar Shivalkar, and Why Was He Special?
Padmakar Shivalkar was one of Mumbai’s greatest left-arm spinners, He is known for his incredible accuracy and ability to deceive batsmen with his flight and spin by left-arm. He played a crucial role in Mumbai’s dominance in the Ranji Trophy, helping the team to secure multiple titles over two decades by hard work.
Even though he was one of the most successful bowlers in Indian domestic cricket, he never played for the national team due to the presence of Bishan Singh Bedi because Bedi was already a left-arm spinner at that time and he was experienced also why padmakar Shivakar not got chance to play, who was considered one of the greatest left-arm spinners in world cricket. This unfortunate timing meant that Shivalkar’s achievements were often overshadowed, but his contribution to Mumbai and Indian cricket remains unforgettable.
Why Didn’t Shivalkar Play for India?
Source: ANI
This is the question that cricket lovers often ask. Shivalkar played cricket at the same time as Bishan Singh Bedi., a spinner who was already an established name in the Indian team. The Indian selectors kept trusting on Bedi instead of trying more left-arm spinners, they were also new or intermediate, so there was little or no chance for Shivalkar or his teammate Rajinder Goel.
Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s greatest batsmen, once admitted that he regretted not being able to convince selectors to give Shivalkar and Goel a chance in the national team. In 2017, both players were finally honored with the CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award by the BCCI, recognizing their great contribution to Indian cricket.
A Remarkable Domestic Career
Shivalkar played 124 first-class matches, taking an impressive 589 wickets at an outstanding average of 19.69. In the Ranji Trophy, he took 361 wickets, making him Mumbai’s highest wicket-taker in the competition. His dominance in domestic cricket made him a legendary figure in Mumbai’s cricketing history.
His best performance came in the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy final, where he took an astonishing 8 for 16 against Tamil Nadu. This match ended in just over two days, with Mumbai emerging victorious. Such performances solidified his reputation as one of the best bowlers in Indian domestic cricket.
When Did He Start His Cricket Journey?
Shivalkar’s first-class debut came in 1962 when he played for a Cricket Club of India President’s XI against an International XI. This international team included cricketing greats like Bob Simpson, Tom Graveney, and Richie Benaud. Despite facing some of the best batsmen in the world, Shivalkar impressed with his bowling, taking five wickets in the first innings and two in the second.
His performance in that match was just the beginning of an extraordinary career that spanned over two decades. He continued to be a crucial part of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team, winning multiple championships and playing a vital role in their dominance in domestic cricket.
A Comeback at 47 – How Did He Do It?
While most cricketers retire by their mid-30s, Shivalkar made a stunning comeback at the age of 47. In the 1987-88 season, he played two matches for Mumbai, proving his dedication and passion for the game. His ability to maintain his fitness and skill at such an advanced age was proof of his hard work and Hard work.
What Made Him a Unique Spinner?
Shivalkar’s bowling style was a blend of accuracy, control, and deception. Unlike many spinners who relied solely on turn, he mastered the art of flighting the ball to lure batsmen into mistakes.
One of his favorite ways to dismiss batsmen was through stumpings. He would tempt batsmen out of their crease with his deceptive flight, only to have them beaten in the air and stumped by the wicketkeeper. This ability to deceive batsmen made him a nightmare to face, even for the best in domestic cricket.
What Did the Cricket World Say About His Death?
Following his passing, the cricketing world poured in tributes. Roger Binny, the current BCCI president and a former India cricketer, expressed his condolences and called Shivalkar a “true legend of Indian domestic cricket.” He praised Shivalkar’s contribution to Mumbai’s success in the Ranji Trophy and acknowledged his influence on future generations of spinners.
How Did Experts Compare Him to Rajinder Goel?
Source: ESPNCrickInfo
Shivalkar and Rajinder Goel are often mentioned together as two of the finest spinners who never played for India. Cricket writer V Ramnarayan believed that while both were equally skilled, Shivalkar had a slight edge due to his variations in flight. He suggested that Shivalkar was more effective on good wickets, while Goel excelled on turning tracks.
Both bowlers had an incredible work ethic, with their smooth bowling actions and tireless dedication in the nets making them reliable match-winners for their respective teams.
A Legacy That Lives On
The impact of Padmakar Shivalkar on Indian cricket is clear, even though the country was never represented by him. Young cricketers are still inspired by his skills, hard work, and fair play. He will always be remembered as one of the best left-arm spinners in Indian domestic cricket, and a very special role is held by him in Mumbai cricket.
Final Thoughts
Padmakar Shivalkar’s story is about skill, hard work, and missed chances. He played very well in domestic cricket but never got to play for India. His death is a big loss, but Mumbai and Indian cricket will always remember him. He will keep inspiring young cricketers.
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