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Today, when India plays with Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semi final, you might notice the team wearing black armbands. They’re doing this to show respect and mourn the death of Padmakar Shivalkar, a legend in Indian domestic cricket. He was an amazing left-arm spinner who passed away on March 3, 2025 at 84. His death is a really sad event for cricket fans, especially those involved in Indian domestic cricket.
Shivalkar was a super skilled bowler. During his great time playing, he grabbed 589 wickets in 124 first class matches. A great 361 of those wickets were in the Ranji Trophy and he had an awesome average of 19.69. His best game was probably the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy final. He took 8 for 16 and 5 for 18 which led Mumbai to win.
Deeply saddened to know about the demise of the legendary left-arm spinner and one of India’s domestic cricket heroes, Padmakar Shivalkar Sir. Heard a lot of stories about his exploits in domestic cricket and how unfortunate he was to not represent the country. My heartfelt… pic.twitter.com/Rb7pTcw7FI
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 3, 2025
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Even though he did so much for Indian cricket, Shivalkar never got to play for the national team. This was because of Bishan Singh Bedi, a left arm spinner who was also around there at that time. Because of his great career, the BCCI gave him the Col C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
Team India is wearing black armbands today to remember Shivalkar. It’s their way of honoring a person who made Indian domestic cricket what it is through his talent and hard work.
