At the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, the second semifinal of the Ranji Trophy 2024–25 season is presently taking place between the reigning champion Mumbai and the losing finalists from the previous edition, Vidarbha. With just two wickets remaining on Day 3 of the game, Mumbai is more than 100 runs behind Vidarbha's 383-run first-innings total. On Wednesday, February 19, the Mumbai players are wearing black armbands in remembrance of former captain and selector Milind Rege, who died on Wednesday morning from a heart attack, just days after turning 76. The Mumbai players will aim to reduce Vidarbha's first innings lead to as low a score as possible.
MCA on Milind Rege
"Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Milind Rege, Sir. A stalwart of Mumbai cricket, his contributions as a player, selector, and mentor were invaluable. His guidance shaped generations of cricketers, and his legacy will forever be cherished. May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones," said MCA president Ajinkya Naik in a statement.
Rege, who turned 76 last Sunday, died Wednesday morning at around six in the morning after being admitted to the intensive care unit of the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. He is survived by his wife and two sons. Despite having a heart attack when he was 26, the all-rounder went back to playing cricket and even captained Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.
Between 1966–67 and 1977–78, Rege participated in 52 first-class games and used his right-arm off-break bowling to remove 126 hitters. He scored 1,532 runs at an average of 23.56 while batting as well. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was friends with Rege since they were young.
They played together at the Dadar Union Sporting Club and went to the same school and college. Throughout his career, Rege held a number of positions and served as a cricket advisor for the Mumbai Cricket Association, making him one of the most respected individuals in Mumbai and domestic cricket.