Ironic: Considered one of the finest exponents of left arm spin, this cricketer couldn't ever represent India

By Harsh Thakor* 

Padmakar Shivalkar, one of the finest exponents of left-arm spin the country has produced, passed away in Mumbai on Monday, March 3rd, at the age of 84, after a period of illness. His mastery of left-arm spin and deep perception of the game established him as a legend in domestic cricket. His brilliant career and selfless contribution to Mumbai and Indian cricket will always be remembered. His passing is an irreparable loss to the cricketing fraternity. 

Paddy Shivalkar is widely regarded as Indian cricket’s greatest spinner to have not played for the national team, and he would also rank among the best cricketers never to earn a test cap. Statistically, in first-class cricket, Shivalkar can be classified as an all-time great with his significant wicket haul and economical average. He was also a great match-winner, capable of turning games with his spells. Many believe Shivalkar would have earned a place in a test side had he been Australian or English.

Shivalkar’s entry into cricket was accidental. Desperate for work, he accompanied a friend to office cricket team nets, having never held a cricket ball before. Despite his initial inexperience, his talent was noticed by Vinoo Mankad, who encouraged him to develop his own style.

Shivalkar played a pivotal role in Mumbai's dominance of the domestic scene in the 1960s and 70s, but never represented India, as Bishan Singh Bedi was the established left-arm spinner. In 124 first-class games, he took 589 wickets. His first major breakthrough came in April 1962, against an International XI, where he took 5 for 129 and 2 for 44, dismissing players like Tom Graveney and Everton Weekes. His best figures of 8 for 16 came in the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy final against Tamil Nadu. Shivalkar featured in ten of Mumbai's victorious Ranji Trophy campaigns and made a comeback at the age of 47.

After retirement, Shivalkar coached the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team and mentored young talents like Harmeet Singh.

His demise follows the death of former Mumbai captain Milind Rege, and Sunil Gavaskar expressed grief. "This is very sad news indeed. Within a short time, Mumbai cricket has lost two of its stalwarts, Milind and now Padmakar, who were the architects of many a victory," Gavaskar said. "One of my regrets as India captain is not being able to convince the national selectors to include ‘Paddy’ in the Test team. He deserved the India cap far more than some others who got it. That’s fate. He was the bowler who would get the best batter from the opposition out and set up wins for Mumbai. He could bowl the whole day with his economical run-up and beautiful action. Paddy was one of a kind and am deeply saddened by his passing away.” 

In 2017, Shivalkar was awarded the BCCI CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award alongside Rajendra Goel. Wasim Jaffer and Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Naik also expressed condolences.

V Ramnarayan described Shivalkar and Goel as dependable bowlers, highlighting Shivalkar's flight and variations. Shivalkar’s characteristic dismissal was often getting batsmen stumped with his loop and flight.

Gavaskar regretted not convincing selectors to pick Shivalkar and Goel, stating they were born in the era of Bishan Singh Bedi. Shivalkar remained philosophical about not playing for India. Some argue that he should have played alongside Bedi, but Ajit Wadekar, despite suggesting this, did not select him. Gavaskar also missed the opportunity to pick him. It was India’s loss that Shivalkar’s talent was never showcased at the highest level.

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*Freelance journalist