Mumbai, March 3, 2025 – The cricketing world mourns the loss of legendary left-arm spinner Padmakar Shivalkar, who passed away at the age of 84 due to age-related health issues. Shivalkar, revered as one of the finest spinners in Indian domestic cricket, leaves behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport.
Shivalkar’s illustrious career spanned over two decades, during which he played 124 first-class matches and claimed an impressive 589 wickets at an average of 19.69. Despite his exceptional domestic record, Shivalkar never had the opportunity to represent India at the international level, primarily due to the presence of the famous Indian spin quartet of Bishan Singh Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, S. Venkataraghavan, and B.S. Chandrasekhar.
Born on September 14, 1940, Shivalkar made his debut for Mumbai (then Bombay) in the 1961-62 Ranji Trophy season. He quickly established himself as a key player for the team, contributing significantly to Mumbai’s dominance in the Ranji Trophy during the 1960s and 1970s. Shivalkar’s best bowling figures in a first-class match were 8 for 16, a testament to his skill and precision.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket, Shivalkar was honored with the prestigious CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2017. He was also a passionate coach and mentor, sharing his knowledge and expertise with young cricketers at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana in Mumbai.
Shivalkar’s passing is an irreplaceable loss to the cricketing fraternity. Ajinkya Naik, the president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), expressed his condolences, stating, “His dedication, skill, and impact on Mumbai cricket are unparalleled. His passing is an irreplaceable loss to the cricketing fraternity”.
The Indian cricket team paid tribute to Shivalkar by wearing black armbands during their semi-final match against Australia in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who wrote about Shivalkar in his book “Idols,” also expressed his sorrow, saying, “Really sad to hear about the demise of Paddy Shivalkar. A wonderful, kind-hearted man, a terrific bowler, and a big inspiration in the early days of my career”.
Padmakar Shivalkar’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered with great respect and admiration.
