In what came as tragic news on April 2 (Sunday) morning, former India all-rounder Salim Durani passed away at the age of 88. Durani, who was ill for quite some time, died in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The former India all-rounder was one of the most decorated cricketers the country ever produced, and with his charismatic demeanour and stylish all-round capability, Durani was a fan favourite during the 1960s and early 1970s and a genuine match-winner for India.
Durani, who was a left-handed batter and a left-arm orthodox spinner, made his debut against Australia at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on January 1, 1960. In his 13-year career, the all-rounder "injected an element of excitement into the game" and played a key role in taking Indian cricket forward. Before hanging his boot on February 6, 1973, Durani scored 1,202 runs in 29 Test matches for India at an average of 25.04. The left-handed batter registered seven fifties and one century during his glittering career.
Apart from his stylish willow-wielding skills, Durani was a stifling bowler. He bagged 75 wickets in international red-ball cricket with the help of two four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls. The left-arm spinner also bagged 10 wickets in a Test match once during his career.
The all-rounder's record in First-Class cricket shows why he was rated so highly. In 170 First-Class matches, Durani scored 8,545 runs at a terrific average of 33.37. The left-handed batter scored 14 centuries and 45 fifties. With the ball, the left-arm spinner bagged 484 wickets with the help of 21 five-wicket hauls.
For his majestical cricketing skills and contribution to the game, Durani was bestowed with the Arjuna Award in 1961. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) awarded the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award to Durani in 2011.
The cricket fraternity mourned the loss of one of their brightest stars. Former India captain and head coach, Ravi Shastri took to Twitter and said, "Easily one of the most colourful cricketers of India - Salim Durani. Rest in Peace."
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