Former Indian cricketer Bapu Nadkarni died at the age of 86 on Friday due to age-related illness. In 41 Test matches, he scored 1414 runs and bagged 88 wickets for India. He was best known for bowling a record 21 maidens on the trot in a Test match against England.
The Nasik-born debuted against New Zealand in 1955 at home and played his last Test against the same team at Auckland in 1968. His accurate economical left-arm spin bowling made him one of the legendary names in the game. He conceded just 1.67 runs per over throughout his career. His first-class career was also an impressive one where he took 500 wickets and made more than 8000 runs in 191 appearances.
Sunil Gavaskar offered condolence on Nadkarni’s demise and told, “He was a gritty cricketer despite playing in the days when gloves and thigh pads were not very good, not much protective equipment as you would get hit. But still, hang in there as he believed in “chhoddo matt”.” He further added, “Every time he was on a tour he was very very helpful in terms of strategy. At lunchtime or team time, he would say try this if you were a fielding captain. He would tell bring this bowler or ask this bowler to bowl round the wicket. He was fantastic. Indian cricket has lost a real champion.”
Sachin Tendulkar tweeted, “Very sad to hear about the demise of Shri Bapu Nadkarni. I grew up hearing about the record of him bowling 21 consecutive maiden overs in a Test. My condolences to his family and dear ones. Rest in Peace Sir.” The head coach of Indian cricket team Ravi Shastri wrote My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family & friends of Bapu Nadkarni ji. One of our finest and my first team manager. RIP Sir. Om Shanti”
BCCI secretary Jay Shah also expressed his grief, “It is with profound sadness that BCCI has learnt of the passing of former India all-rounder Rameshchandra Gangaram ‘Bapu’ Nadkarni. The 86-year-old breathed his last at his daughter’s residence in Mumbai on Friday. The Board shares the pain and grief of the Nadkarni family and prays for the departed soul.”
Harsha Bhogle also took to Twitter to express his feelings. “Oh, just got the sad news of Bapuji’s passing. Another pillar of Mumbai and Indian cricket. And like so many of his era, a lovely kind man, someone I had the privilege of knowing.”