Padmakar Shivalkar, left-arm spin stalwart of 1960s and 70s, passes away

Padmakar Shivalkar, one of the finest left-arm spinners the country has produced, passed away in Mumbai on Monday. He was 84 and was unwell for the past few months.

Shivalkar, one of the stalwarts in the 1960s and 70s when Mumbai ruled the domestic scene unchallenged, never got to represent the country as it was a period when Bishan Singh Bedi was the incumbent left-arm spinner in the Indian team. In 124 First-Class games, he amassed 589 wickets.

After retirement, Shivalkar also coached the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team.

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Shivalkar’s demise comes on the heels of former Mumbai captain Milind Rege’s death and cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar expressed grief at the loss.

“This is very sad news indeed. Within a short time, Mumbai cricket has lost two of its stalwarts, Milind and now Padmakar, who were the architects of many a victory,” the master batsman said.

“One of my regrets as India captain is not being able to convince the national selectors to include ‘Paddy’ in the Test team. He deserved the India cap far more than some others who got it. That’s fate. He was the bowler who would get the best batter from the opposition out and set up wins for Mumbai. He could bowl the whole day with his economical run-up and beautiful action. Paddy was one of a kind and am deeply saddened by his passing away.”

In 2017, Shivalkar was conferred with the BCCI CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award along with his contemporary left-arm spinner Rajendra Goel, who too didn’t get a chance to represent India.

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer also condoled the death.

“One of Mumbai’s greatest match-winners, a stalwart of the game who, despite his immense record in First-Class cricket, was unfortunate never to don the Indian cap,” Jaffer said. “A cricketer of remarkable humility and simplicity, he was admired both on and off the field. My deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.”

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After his playing days, Shivalkar involved himself in coaching at Shivaji Park. He spotted young talents like Harmeet Singh, who went on to play for India Under-19 and Mumbai, before representing the USA.

Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Ajinkya Naik said, “Mumbai cricket has lost a true legend today. Padmakar Shivalkar Sir’s contribution to the game, especially as one of the finest spinners of all time, will always be remembered. His dedication, skill, and impact on Mumbai cricket are unparalleled. His passing is an irreplaceable loss to the cricketing fraternity.”

Shivalkar was never one to crib about the past and the absence of an India cap.

“Hope you have listened to the iconic composition Main Zindagi ka saath nibhata Chala Gaya (from the movie Hum Dono). It has a line, Jo Mila Usiko Muqaddar samajh liya (Whatever you get is destiny). For me, I have reached that stage of life where these things have become trivial,” he was quoted by PTI after receiving the BCCI award.

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