Known for his sharp mind and sharper spin, Doshi's late Test debut didn’t stop him from making a lasting impact on Indian cricket.
Dilip Doshi, India's Uncompromising Spinner, Dies at 77
London/New Delhi | June 25, 2025- Former Indian cricketer Dilip Doshi, one of the few players to make his Test debut after the age of 30 and still take over 100 wickets, passed away in London on Monday. He was 77.
Known as much for his stubborn principles as his skill with the ball, Doshi was a left-arm spinner who played 33 Tests for India between 1979 and 1983, claiming 114 wickets. But beyond the numbers, his career reflected the journey of a man who stayed true to his beliefs—even at the cost of popularity or playing opportunities.
A Spinner Overshadowed by Greatness
Doshi’s entry into international cricket was delayed not due to lack of talent, but because his prime coincided with the golden years of Bishan Singh Bedi, one of the greatest left-arm spinners of all time.
Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar often spoke about how Padmakar Shivalkar and Rajinder Goel, both exceptional spinners in their own right, were kept out of the Indian team for the same reason. Doshi was fortunate to debut slightly after them, at the age of 32.
But once he arrived, he proved himself quickly. His spells were marked by subtle deception, precise control, and mental sharpness, attributes that earned him respect from opponents around the world.
Memorable Moments on the Field
- In the 1981 Melbourne Test, often remembered for Kapil Dev’s heroic five-wicket haul, it was Doshi—alongside Karsan Ghavri—who made the initial breakthroughs, setting the stage for India’s famous comeback victory.
- He was known for his unique ability to both attack and defend, an unusual trait among orthodox left-arm spinners.
- Javed Miandad, Pakistan’s legendary batter, once resorted to playful sledging to unsettle him—not out of disdain, but because he recognized Doshi as a threat.
Doshi’s cerebral bowling, combined with his unchanging facial expressions behind spectacles, often left batters guessing whether the ball would drift, dip, or dart.
More Than Just a Cricketer
Off the field, Dilip Doshi lived a life of equal distinction. He was never afraid to question authority, even if it made him unpopular. This trait is most evident in his autobiography, "Spin Punch," where he offered a candid critique of Indian cricket and the captain he played under, believed to be Sunil Gavaskar.
The book, described by readers as unfiltered and honest, is unlike anything written by contemporary Indian cricketers.
Post-retirement, Doshi moved to the United Kingdom, where he ran a luxury pen business—a venture that reflected his taste for elegance and precision.
Gavaskar and Doshi: An Unusual Connection
Despite professional differences, there was a personal bond between Doshi and Gavaskar. It is said that Doshi introduced Gavaskar to Marshneil, who later became his wife. The relationship between the two players was thus a complex mix of respect, rivalry, and reality.
The Final Over: Why Dilip Doshi Matters
Dilip Doshi’s career serves as a reminder that age is no barrier to success, and that integrity can sometimes come at a personal cost—but never at the cost of self-respect.
- He played 33 Tests and 15 ODIs for India.
- He took 114 Test wickets, despite debuting at an age when most cricketers think of retirement.
- His impact was greater than numbers; he represented a thinking cricketer, driven by values, discipline, and dignity.
Remembering the Man Behind the Ball
At a time when Indian cricket was evolving rapidly and personalities often clashed with politics, Dilip Doshi remained consistent, both in skill and character. His death marks the end of an era where conviction mattered more than convenience.
He leaves behind not just a record, but a legacy of courage, candor, and craft.