India Spinner Dilip Doshi Dies Aged 77

Former India left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi has died at the age of 77 in London following heart-related complications, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Monday.

Doshi played 33 Test matches for India between 1979 and 1983, taking 114 wickets at an average of 30.71, including six five-wicket hauls. He also featured in 15 One Day Internationals, picking up 22 wickets at an economy rate of 3.96.

A late entrant to international cricket, Doshi made his Test debut at the age of 32, following the era of India’s renowned spin quartet. He represented Saurashtra and Bengal in domestic cricket and played county cricket in England for Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire, finishing his first-class career with 898 wickets in 238 matches.

The BCCI, in a media advisory, described Doshi as “a true artist of spin bowling” and “a dedicated servant of Indian cricket.”

“He inspired a generation of cricketers with his skill and dedication,” BCCI President Roger Binny said. “His contribution to Indian cricket will always be remembered.”

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said Doshi had “a calm demeanour and a fiercely competitive spirit,” calling him “a remarkable cricketer and a great human being.”

Doshi’s performance in the 1981 Melbourne Test, where he claimed a five-wicket haul, played a key role in one of India’s most notable overseas victories. He later authored an autobiography, Spin Punch, chronicling his cricketing journey. Garfield Sobers, the West Indies great, was among those who influenced Doshi during his time at Nottinghamshire.

Doshi is survived by his family, including his son Nayan Doshi, a former first-class cricketer.