Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, April 2: Salim Durrani, a former all-rounder for India, has passed away at his house in Jamnagar, Gujarat at the age of 88. A left-handed batsman and left-arm spinner Durrani played for India in 29 Test matches, recording 1202 runs and 75 wickets.
Durrani represented Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy of domestic cricket. He achieved his greatest fame for his remarkable performance in 1961–1962, when India defeated England in a series, taking eight and ten wickets at Kolkata and Chennai, respectively.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred Durani a cricketing legend and an institution in himself.
“Salim Durani Ji was a cricketing legend, an institution in himself. He made a key contribution to India’s rise in the world of cricket. On and off the field, he was known for his style. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace. Salim Durani Ji had a very old and strong association with Gujarat. He played for Saurashtra and Gujarat for a few years. He also made Gujarat his home. I have had the opportunity to interact with him and was deeply impressed by his multifaceted persona. He will surely be missed,” PM Modi said in a tweet.
Salim Durani Ji was a cricketing legend, an institution in himself. He made a key contribution to India’s rise in the world of cricket. On and off the field, he was known for his style. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 2, 2023
Numerous former cricket players honoured Durani. VVS Laxman, a former Indian batter, sent his sympathies to Durani’s family and loved ones on social media.
India’s first Arjuna Award winning cricketer and a man who hit sixes on public demand, Salim Durani.
Om Shanti. Heartfelt Condolences to his family , friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/DwdKamlxjy
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) April 2, 2023
“India’s first Arjuna Award winning cricketer and a man who hit sixes on public demand, Salim Durani. Om Shanti. Heartfelt Condolences to his family , friends and loved ones,” Laxman wrote on Twitter.
“Easily one of the most colourful cricketers of India – Salim Durani. Rest in Peace,” Shastri posted on his Twitter account.
Easily one of the most colourful cricketers of India – Salim Durani.
Rest in Peace. ॐ शांति 🙏 pic.twitter.com/d5RUST5G9n
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 2, 2023
Durani, who was well-known for his aggressive hitting approach, was one of the few players at the time who could consistently smash sixes. During the course of 13 years, he participated in 29 Tests for India, making his debut in 1960 and playing his final Test there against England in February 1973.
Durani’s playing career came to an end with a batting average of 25.04, seven fifty-sixes, and one century. His best score of 104 was recorded in 1962 at Port of Spain against the West Indies.
Durani has a first-class record of 8545 runs in 170 games, 45 fifty-pluses, and 14 centuries. Durani has 144 catches, demonstrating his skill as a fielder. In addition, he had 484 wickets, including 21 five-fers.
