Padmakar Shivalkar, a former Mumbai cricketer, passed away at the age of 84 on March 3rd, Monday. This left-arm spin bowler played for Mumbai for 20 years but was not included in the Indian national team, as his career coincided with that of Bishan Singh Bedi, a prominent Indian spin bowler.
Sunil Gavaskar expressed condolences, saying: ‘This is extremely sad news. Mumbai cricket has suffered a heavy loss, losing Milind and now Padmakar, two outstanding players whose achievements brought many victories.’ Gavaskar mentioned Shivalkar as one of his idols in his book ‘Idols’.
Shivalkar began his professional career at the age of 21 in the 1961-62 season and played for Mumbai until he was 47, until the 1987-88 season. In 124 first-class matches, he took 589 wickets, including 42 five-wicket hauls per innings and 13 ten-wicket hauls per match. In the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy final against Tamil Nadu, he demonstrated figures of 8/16 and 5/18, which helped Mumbai win their 15th consecutive title.
Gavaskar also noted: ‘One of my regrets as captain of the Indian team is that I could not convince the selectors to include ‘Paddy’ in the Test team. He certainly deserved to receive the Indian team cap more than some other players. But such is fate. He was the bowler who could dismiss the best batsmen of the opposing team and lead Mumbai to victory. He possessed outstanding endurance and effective bowling technique. Paddy was a unique player, and I deeply mourn his passing. Om Shanti.’
MCA President Ajinkya Naik stated: ‘Today Mumbai cricket has suffered the loss of a true legend. Padmakar Shivalkar’s contribution to cricket, especially his outstanding achievements as a spin bowler, will forever be remembered. His dedication, skill, and impact on Mumbai cricket are invaluable. His death is an irreplaceable loss for the entire cricket community. May his soul rest in peace.’
In 2016, Shivalkar was awarded the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to domestic cricket.
