Dubai: The Indian cricket team took to the field for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against Australia wearing black armbands on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, to pay tribute to the late Padmakar Shivalkar. Shivalkar, who passed away on March 3 at the age of 84, is remembered as one of the most talented left-arm spinners India has produced, though he never played for the national team due to coinciding legendary talents.
According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), "in honour of the late Shri Padmakar Shivalkar, Team India is wearing black armbands today." This heartfelt gesture highlights Shivalkar's immense contributions to Indian cricket, particularly within the domestic circuit where he excelled for Mumbai.
Shivalkar's cricketing career spanned from 1961 to 1988, during which he played 124 first-class matches for Mumbai, taking 589 wickets at an impressive average of 19.69. He was instrumental during Mumbai's dominance in the Ranji Trophy, being one of the main architects of their remarkable success.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Shivalkar’s name is often overshadowed by his contemporaries, particularly Bishan Singh Bedi, who was the frontline left-arm spinner during the era. Reflecting on Shivalkar's legacy, Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Naik remarked, "Padmakar Shivalkar Sir’s contribution to the game, especially as one of the finest spinners of all time, will always be remembered. His passing is an irreplaceable loss to the cricketing fraternity.”
Shivalkar made his debut at 22 years old and continued to impress until retirement at 48, accumulating 361 wickets throughout his Ranji Trophy career. His performances, especially his memorable five-wicket hauls, cemented his reputation as a match-winner for Mumbai.
After receiving the Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award from the BCCI in 2017, Shivalkar's legacy continued to flourish. Recently, he attended the Mumbai Cricket Association's event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wankhede Stadium, marking his last public appearance. His presence was greatly appreciated as fans and players alike revere his contributions to the game.
On the match day, after being put to field first due to losing the toss, India was determined to honor Shivalkar’s legacy with strong performances. Rohit Sharma, leading the team, emphasized the importance of maintaining their form after going unbeaten throughout the group stages, having secured victories against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand.
Sharma noted, “We’ve played good cricket in all three games and that's what we’ll look to do now. It’s going to be challenging. The slower bowlers have come to play more, which is why we wanted the same team.” With the pressure mounting, Indian bowlers took early wickets thanks to Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakravarthy, who bowled tight overs and struck at important junctures.
Shivalkar's passing has invoked sentiments within the cricket fraternity, with former players and enthusiasts expressing their sorrow. Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar added, "One of my regrets as India captain is not being able to convince the national selectors to include ‘Paddy’ in the Test team. He deserved the India cap far more than some others who got it. That’s fate.” His admiration for Shivalkar emphasizes the gap left not only for the Mumbai cricket scene but also for the game as a whole.
Throughout the match, tributes continued to pour in for Shivalkar. The atmosphere within the stands might be competitive, yet it was deeply infused with respect and sadness, commemorated through the black armbands worn by every player on the pitch, signifying their connection to Shivalkar's remarkable history.
The day serves as both remembrance and competition, a blend of honoring past greatness against the backdrop of the Champions Trophy’s high stakes. It’s reminders like these, particularly during significant matches, which reinforce the ties binding the community of cricket, transcending generations.
Padmakar Shivalkar’s contributions to cricket will forever echo beyond the pitch—through the players he inspired, the games he influenced, and the legacy he leaves behind.