Legendary Mumbai Spinner Padmakar Shivalkar Passes Away at 84

Padmakar Shivalkar passed away at 84. He is one of Mumbai’s finest left-arm spinners. His death marks the end of an era in Indian domestic cricket. He was known for his mastery over spin. Shivalkar was one of the greatest cricketers who had never played for the Indian national team. Despite his incredible talent, he was overshadowed by the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi, which kept him from making his mark on the international stage. Shivalkar passed away in Mumbai on March 3, 2025, and is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

A Star in Indian Domestic Cricket

Padmakar Shivalkar was a towering figure in Indian domestic cricket. He played for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy from 1962 until 1987. During this period, he was a key part of Mumbai’s dominance in Indian cricket. His most significant achievement was helping Mumbai win ten Ranji Trophy titles between 1965-66 and 1976-77. His incredible consistency and skill with the ball made him one of the most successful bowlers in the tournament's history.

Shivalkar’s first-class career spanned 124 matches, in which he took 589 wickets at an impressive average of 19.69. Of these, 361 wickets came in the Ranji Trophy alone, making him Mumbai's highest wicket-taker. His best bowling figures of 8 for 16 in the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy final against Tamil Nadu are in cricketing history. This performance helped Mumbai secure a quick victory on a challenging pitch at Chepauk.

The Regret of an International Career

Despite his remarkable achievements at the domestic level, Padmakar Shivalkar’s career was marred by the fact that he never played for India. His career coincided with the peak of Bishan Singh Bedi, one of India’s greatest left-arm spinners. Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian cricket captain, expressed regret in a 2017 interview about Shivalkar's exclusion from the national team.

As Gavaskar recalled, "One of my regrets is that, as the then captain of the Indian team, I could not convince my fellow selectors to pick Goel Saab and Paddy to play for India. They were born in the same era as the greatest left-arm bowler I have seen, Mr. Bishan Singh Bedi. Else, they too would have played plenty of Tests for India."

Shivalkar's unfortunate lack of international exposure only highlights the fierce competition for spots in the Indian cricket team during that era.

A Career Built on Precision and Skill

Padmakar Shivalkar was known for his accuracy and flight. He was a bowler who didn’t rely on brute force but rather on subtle variations in flight and spin. This made him highly effective, particularly on pitches that offered turn. One of his favorite modes of dismissing a batsman was through stumping. With his mastery of flight, Shivalkar often drew batsmen out of their crease and trapped them for a stumping.

V. Ramnarayan once praised Shivalkar for his dependability. He is a fellow spinner from the 1970s. Ramnarayan wrote, “Quite possibly the best attribute of their cricket was their utter dependability. With them in the side, their captains only had to worry about their supporting bowlers.”

Shivalkar's tireless work ethic in the nets was the key to his consistency. His smooth, effortless bowling action allowed him to bowl long spells without tiring. This dedication to his craft made him a vital part of Mumbai’s cricketing success.

Padmakar Shivalkar's Legacy

Padmakar Shivalkar’s contribution to Mumbai cricket cannot be overstated. He was a vital cog in Mumbai’s cricket machine during its most successful period. His ability to repeatedly turn the ball on any surface made him a matchwinner. Whether on turning tracks or flat wickets, Shivalkar could adapt and deliver. He was a bowler who could be trusted to bowl long spells and keep the pressure on the opposition.

Roger Binny, the current president of the BCCI and former India cricketer, paid tribute to Shivalkar upon his passing. Binny stated, “Indian cricket has lost a true legend today. Padmakar Shivalkar’s mastery over left-arm spin and his deep understanding of the game made him a revered figure in domestic cricket. His exceptional career and selfless contribution to Mumbai and Indian cricket will always be remembered.”

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) also expressed grief over Shivalkar’s passing. The association shared its condolences and highlighted his invaluable contributions to Mumbai cricket.

A True Mumbai Hero

Shivalkar's contribution to the sport went beyond his remarkable stats. He embodied Mumbai’s cricketing culture: hard-working, disciplined, and always willing to give his best for the team. His legacy will live on through the countless young cricketers who look up to him as an inspiration. Though he never played for India, Shivalkar’s place in the history of Mumbai cricket is secure.

His passing marks the end of an era for Mumbai cricket. Padmakar Shivalkar was more than just a bowler; he was a mentor, a team player, and a true legend of domestic cricket. Mumbai has lost one of its cricketing giants, but his memory and achievements will continue to inspire generations of cricketers.