Shivlal Yadav recalls Dilip Doshi’s legacy and memorable moments

Shivlal Yadav fondly recalls his memories with Dilip Doshi, reflecting on his class, consistency, and memorable moments in cricket, including Doshi’s performances in key matches like the 1981 Melbourne Test

Hyderabad: “It is never easy to step into the shoes of someone like the great Bishen Singh Bedi. But Dilip Doshi carved a niche for himself with his bowling,” says former India off-spinner N. Shivlal Yadav.

Reflecting on the demise of Doshi in London, Shivlal, who was his teammate and also roommate for two series against Pakistan and Australia, informed Telangana Today that the orthodox left-arm spinner was an epitome of class and consistency.

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“Doshi brought in all his experience from playing in the English county. He was a master of line and length and flight. Rarely bothered about the nature of the pitch. Never experimented too much with his bowling. He held his own at any venue,” Shivlal said in a glowing tribute to the left-arm spinner.

It may be mentioned here that the great West Indian Sir Vivian Richards was once on record saying that Doshi was the best left-arm spinner he had ever faced.

“Well, that 1981 Melbourne Test was truly memorable for every Indian when Doshi (two for 33) complemented the great Kapil’s stunning effort (five for 28) when Australia was bowled out for 83 in the second innings to leave India winning by 39 runs,” Shivlal recalled.

“The best part was that Doshi bowled with an injured toe. I was not fit to bowl in the second innings because of a swollen leg, so captain Sunil Gavaskar requested Doshi to take on the mantle, and the great spinner did a terrific job,” said Shivlal, who was also the former BCCI president. “The way he lured Aussie opener Graeme Wood to be stumped by Syed Kirmani was an absolute beauty and still fresh in my mind,” he said.

“Yes, because of the Bedi era, Doshi made his Test debut very late in his career. Or else he would have played many more Tests and picked many more wickets,” said the former India cricketer, who, along with Doshi, has the rare distinction of carrying on the mantle of spin bowling after the famous spin quartet faded away.

“I remember Doshi being very sentimental, sporting a ring which he used to keep in his pocket while bowling. A thorough gentleman who always made it a point to meet me whenever I was in England as a manager of the Indian team or on an official trip as BCCI vice-president,” Shivlal said.

“I badly miss him. He was such a wonderful personality, both on and off the field,” he signed off.