Former India Test cricketer AG Milkha Singh passes away

AG Milkha Singh made his Ranji Trophy debut at the age of 17 in 1958-59 season and went to play for India the next year. His Test career was however cut short after playing just four matches.

New Delhi:  Former India cricketer Amritsar Govindsingh Milkha Singh, who was also the first to score a century in Duleep Trophy passed away following a cardiac arrest in Chenani.

Milkha was 75. He is survived by his wife, a son and daughter.

AG Milkha Singh made his Ranji Trophy debut at the age of 17 in 1958-59 season and went to play for India the next year. His Test career was however cut short after playing just four matches.

He was a prolific run getter in domestic cricket, scoring at an average of 49 in his 88 first class matches.

Milkha Singh was employed with the State Bank of India.

His nephew Arjan Kripal Singh played Ranji Trophy for Tamil Nadu and memorably scored a triple century in a game against Goa in 1987. He was involved in a massive partnership in that match with W V Raman, who too scored a triple hundred as the team piled up 912.

Expressing his condolences, former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi wrote on Twitter: "Once the most attacking left hand batsman o his times AG Milkha Singh is no more. AG clan is diminishing..RIP Micky..Guru MEHR Kareh..!!"

Once the most attacking left hand batsman o his times AG Milkha Singh is no more..’AG’ clan is diminishing..RIP Micky..Guru MEHR Kareh..!!

— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) November 10, 2017

Veteran coach M K Iqbal, a close associate, said Milkha Singh was a stylish batsman, who served the state team for a long time and guided several young cricketers.

The final rites would be held on Saturday, his family members said.