Former Mumbai cricketer Padmakar Shivalkar passed away on March 3 at the age of 84. The legendary left-arm spinner played for Mumbai for two decades but never got the opportunity to represent India, as his career coincided with that of Bishan Singh Bedi, who became a key figure in the national team.
Expressing his sorrow, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar highlighted Shivalkar’s immense contribution to Mumbai cricket, noting that his passing follows the recent loss of another Mumbai stalwart, Milind Rege. Gavaskar had previously featured Shivalkar in his book Idols, emphasizing his admiration for the spinner’s skill and impact on the game.
A Prolific First-Class Career
Shivalkar made his first-class debut in the 1961/62 season at the age of 21 and continued playing for Mumbai until 1987/88, when he was 47. Over his long and illustrious career, he played 124 first-class matches and claimed 589 wickets, including 42 five-wicket hauls and 13 instances of taking 10 wickets in a match. One of his most memorable performances came in the 1972/73 Ranji Trophy final against Tamil Nadu, where he took 8 for 16 and 5 for 18, leading Mumbai to their 15th consecutive title.
Gavaskar, reflecting on Shivalkar’s career, expressed regret that he could not persuade the selectors to include him in the Indian Test team, despite his talent. He described Shivalkar as a bowler capable of dismissing the best opposition batters and as someone who could bowl tirelessly with precision.
Remembering a Mumbai Cricket Legend
Shivalkar’s passing is a significant loss to Indian cricket, particularly to Mumbai, where he was regarded as a legend. Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Ajinkya Naik paid tribute to him, acknowledging his unparalleled skill and dedication to the sport. He described Shivalkar as one of the finest spinners of all time, whose contributions to Mumbai cricket will always be cherished.
In recognition of his achievements, Shivalkar was honored with the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. His legacy as a domestic cricket stalwart remains strong, and his impact on Mumbai’s cricketing dominance will be remembered for generations.
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