Padmakar Shivalkar, the legendary Mumbai spinner, passed away on Monday from age-related issues. He was 84 years old. Shivalkar, regarded as one of the top spinners who has never represented India, participated in 124 first-class games and took 589 wickets at a rate of 19.69 between 1961–1962 and 1987–1988.
The left-arm spinner made his Ranji Trophy debut at the age of 22, played until he was 48, and claimed 361 wickets in India's top domestic tournament, including 11 10-wicket hauls. Shivalkar also took 16 wickets in 12 List A games. In 2017, the Indian cricket board presented him with the CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.
"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," said Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Ajinkya Naik.
"His dedication, skill, and impact on Mumbai cricket are unparalleled. His passing is an irreplaceable loss to the cricketing fraternity. May his soul rest in peace," he added.
"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," Sunil Gavaskar stated that honoring the deceased is important. In his book Idols, Gavaskar listed Shivalkar as one of his idols.
Shivalkar played for Mumbai until the 1987–88 season, when he was 47 years old. He began his first-class career in 1961–62 at the age of 21. He played in 124 first-class matches and took 589 wickets, including 13 10-fers and 42 five-wicket hauls. He helped Mumbai win the Ranji Trophy for the fifteenth time in a row by returning figures of 8 for 16 and 5 for 18 against Tamil Nadu in the final of the 1972–73 season.
