Team India is wearing a black band to mourn the loss of Padmakar Shivalkar. Domestic cricket stalwart Padmakar Shivalkar passed away on Monday at the age of 84. In 124 first-class matches for Mumbai, Shivalkar took 589 wickets with his left-arm spin.
The cricketing world is in mourning following the passing of Padmakar Shivalkar, a legendary figure in Indian domestic cricket. The former left-arm spinner, known for his exceptional skill and unwavering dedication to the game, breathed his last on March 3, 2025. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), too, expressed its sorrow over his demise.
Who Was Padmakar Shivalkar?
A stalwart of the Ranji Trophy, Shivalkar's career was nothing short of extraordinary. Over the course of 124 first-class matches, he claimed a staggering 589 wickets at a remarkable average of 19.69. His ability to deceive batters with flight, precision, and sharp turn made him one of the finest spinners in Indian domestic cricket history.
One of his most iconic performances came in the 1972–73 Ranji Trophy final, where he single-handedly dismantled Tamil Nadu’s batting lineup. His spellbinding figures of 8 for 16 and 5 for 18 led Mumbai (then Bombay) to a dominant victory, further cementing his reputation as a match-winner.
Despite his brilliance, Shivalkar never donned the India jersey at the international level, largely due to the presence of another left-arm spin great, Bishan Singh Bedi, during the same era.
However, his immense impact on Indian cricket did not go unrecognised. In 2017, he was honoured with the prestigious Col C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award by the BCCI.