Former Indian allrounder Salim Durani passes away at 88
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Jamnagar (Gujarat): Salim Durani, one of the finest all-rounders, passed away at his home here after a prolonged battle with cancer, on Sunday. He was 88.
He had been living with his younger brother, Jahangir Durani, in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Born in Afghanistan, Durani had Pashtun origins and was known for his batting and bowling prowess that left the spectators thrilled. He was also known for his fine dressing style and swagger.
Durani had undergone proximal femoral nail surgery after he broke his thigh bone in a fall in January this year.
He was a left-handed batter and left-arm spinner, and represented India in 29 Tests, scoring 1202 runs and taking 75 wickets.
In domestic cricket, Durani played Ranji Trophy for Saurashtra, Rajasthan and Gujarat. He was most famous for his outstanding performance in India’s series victory against England in 1961-62, picking up eight and 10 wickets in Kolkata and Chennai.
"He will always be remembered for hitting sixes when spectators demanded. Hitting sixes during that period was rare," remembered a family friend in Mumbai.
The star cricketer also dabbled in Bollywood, starring opposite renowned actor Praveen Babi in the movie Charitra in 1973.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter calling 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 posted.
Many former cricketers also paid their respects to Durani.
Former India all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri took to Twitter to pay his respects.
"Easily one of the most colourful cricketers of India - Salim Durani. Rest in Peace," Shastri posted on his Twitter account.
Former India batter VVS Laxman also offered his condolences to Durani’s family and loved ones.
“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 posted on Twitter.