The Indian cricketing fraternity is in mourning following the death of former India left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi, who passed away in London on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the age of 77 due to cardiac arrest. Doshi, a stalwart of Indian cricket in the late 1970s and early 1980s, is survived by his wife Kalindi, son Nayan, and daughter Vishakha.
Doshi’s passing has been met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from fellow cricketers, administrators, and fans alike. Sachin Tendulkar, in an emotional message on social media, recalled his first meeting with Doshi in 1990 and how Doshi had bowled to him in the nets during that tour. Tendulkar fondly remembered Doshi's warm-hearted nature and expressed how much he would miss their cricketing conversations. Ravi Shastri also expressed his sadness, remembering Doshi as a gentleman and a fine bowler. Anil Kumble offered his condolences to Doshi's family and friends, highlighting the deep sense of personal loss felt by many within the cricketing world.
Dilip Doshi made his Test debut in 1979 against Australia, after Bishan Singh Bedi's retirement, at the relatively late age of 32, and quickly established himself as a key member of the Indian spin attack. Despite his late entry into international cricket, Doshi played 33 Tests for India, taking 114 wickets at an average of 30.71. His career coincided with the era of India's famed spin quartet, which included Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, limiting his opportunities but not diminishing his impact. He also played 15 One Day Internationals (ODIs), securing 22 wickets.
Doshi's most memorable performance came in the 1981 Melbourne Test against Australia, where he took five wickets while bowling with a fractured toe, helping India defend a small target and secure a historic victory. This win remained one of the highlights of his career, showcasing his resilience and skill.
Beyond his international career, Doshi was a dominant force in first-class cricket, amassing 898 wickets in 238 matches, including 43 five-wicket hauls. He represented Bengal and Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy and had successful stints in English county cricket with Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire. His contributions were recognized in 2020 when he received a special award at the BCCI annual awards.
Saurashtra Cricket Association President Jaydev Shah expressed his personal grief, describing Doshi's passing as a personal loss and remembering him as one of the finest human beings. Former BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah echoed these sentiments, considering Doshi as family. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also mourned Doshi's demise, acknowledging his contributions to Indian cricket.
Dilip Doshi's legacy extends beyond his statistics and achievements on the field. He was respected for his sportsmanship, commitment, and dedication to the game. His knowledge of spin bowling was highly regarded, with even legendary all-rounder Garfield Sobers acknowledging Doshi's immeasurable expertise. Doshi's impact on and off the field will be fondly remembered by the cricketing world.