Dilip Sardesai, considered to be India’s best batsman against spin bowling is dead. Sardesai, afflicted with kidney problems for a long time, was admitted to Bombay Hospital on July 23 with chest infection but later developed multiple organ failure that brought his demise.
Dilip Narayan Sardesai, sometimes known as the Renaissance Man of Indian Cricket for his faultless technique first wore the India cap during the 1961-62 season. This was a time when cricketing powers like England, Australia and the West Indies ruled supreme.
The most successful point in his career came when he gathered 642 runs at an average of approximately 81 against the fiery bowling attacks of West Indies and England in 1971. His two centuries and a double hundred helped India win this historic back-to-back series.
Being the only Goa-born cricketer to represent the country, Sardesai finished his career in 1972 after playing 30 Tests scoring 2001 runs with five hundreds and nine half-centuries at an average of almost 40. Better known for his brilliant footwork, with solid defense, he faced spin attack better than any batsman to have played for the country. During his career, during one season, he had a chance to open the innings with the great Sunil Gavaskar, the duo formed one of the best opening pair for the country.
Sardesai was the proud member of the Mumbai team that won Ranji Trophy 15 consecutive times.
Had he fought his death, he would have turned 67 on August 8.
Sardesai is survived by his wife Nandini, daughter Shonali and illustrious son Rajdeep Sardesai, the Editor-in-Chief of CNN-IBN.
Entire cricket fraternity has expressed grief over the demise of the former India cricketer. Many among his ex- team mates, members of the BCCI, Shiv Sena executive president Udhav Thackeray attended Sardesai’s funeral to pay their last homage to the departed soul at the Chandanwadi electric crematorium in South Mumbai.
Via: Cricketnext
