Legendary domestic cricketer Padmakar Shivalkar passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 84 due to age-related issues, marking the end of an era for Mumbai cricket. His demise has left sports enthusiasts and fellow cricketers mourning the loss of one of India’s finest left-arm spinners.
Sunil Gavaskar, the iconic former Indian captain, expressed his sadness over Shivalkar’s passing, stating, "This is very sad news. Within a short time, Mumbai cricket has lost two of its stalwarts, Milind and now Padmakar who were the architect of many victories." Gavaskar regretted not being able to convince national selectors to include Shivalkar on the national team, saying, "He deserved the India cap far more than some others who got it. That’s fate." Gavaskar's heartfelt message is reflective of the deep respect and admiration Shivalkar garnered throughout his career.
Padmakar Shivalkar made his mark on domestic cricket as one of the best spinners, having played from the 1961-62 to 1987-88 seasons. He participated in 124 First-Class matches, achieving remarkable statistics with 589 wickets at an impressive average of 19.69. His talent was undeniable; at just 22 years of age, he made his debut in the Ranji Trophy and continued to impress until he was nearly 50. His unwavering dedication to Mumbai cricket earned him the respect of players and fans alike.
Throughout his illustrious career, he played pivotal roles in many of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy victories. A standout moment came during the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy final, where he dismantled Tamil Nadu's batting lineup with exceptional bowling figures of 8 for 16 and 5 for 18, single-handedly steering the title toward Mumbai. Such performances solidified his reputation, and he often took on some of the toughest opponents, proving his worth on the cricket field.
Despite his remarkable accomplishments, Shivalkar never earned national recognition, often overshadowed by contemporaries like the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi. His absence from the national side is often lamented by cricket experts, who recognize his potential and contribution to the game. Even as he aged, Shivalkar continued to showcase his spin bowling prowess, making significant contributions to domestic cricket until his retirement.
Beyond numbers and records, Shivalkar was honored with the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2017, underscoring his immense contributions to Indian cricket, particularly at the domestic level. His lifetime achievements resonate deeply within the cricketing community and serve to inspire future generations.
VVS Laxman also expressed his sorrow over Shivalkar's passing, reminiscing about his prowess and achievements. He noted, "Deeply saddened to know about the demise of the legendary left-arm spinner and one of India's domestic cricket heroes, Padmakar Shivalkar. I heard many stories about his exploits and how unfortunate he was not to represent the country." This sentiment reflects the shared admiration for Shivalkar among his peers.
Ajinkya Naik, President of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), echoed this sorrow, commenting on the impact Shivalkar had on Mumbai cricket. Naik added, "Mumbai cricket has lost a true giant today. Padmakar Shivalkar’s contribution to the game, especially as one of the greatest spinners, will always be remembered. His dedication, skill, and influence are unmatched. His passing is an irreplaceable loss to the cricketing world.”
The passing of Padmakar Shivalkar serves as a poignant reminder of the rich history of Indian cricket and the immense talents who helped shape it. His legacy, characterized by his mastery over left-arm spin bowling, will inspire upcoming players for years to come. Even though he may never have donned the national cap, his contributions to the game at the domestic level have left lasting footprints. Reflections on his career and the stories shared by those who knew him will keep his memory alive within the annals of cricket history.
Shivalkar's dedication to the sport, coupled with his brilliant performances, has secured him a cherished place among the all-time greats of domestic cricket, ensuring his name remains synonymous with Mumbai's illustrious cricketing exploits.