Salim Durani, a former all-rounder for India who was well-liked in the cricketing world for both his batting and bowling skills, died at the age of 88 from age-related illnesses in his Jamnagar home.
Durani represented India in 29 Test matches and clinched 75 wickets with his best bowling performance came when he took 10 wickets by giving 177 runs.
He has scored 1202 runs with his highest score(104 runs) with the willow came against West Indies in 1962 .
He played an instrumental role in guiding India towards winning series against England in 1961-62.
India won that series by 2-0 with durani taking 18 wickets combined in both Test Matches.
He was born in Afghanistan but later migrated to India and started showing his brilliance in cricket at Ranji Trophy match against Gujarat where he picked most wickets with his quality bowling.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 2, 2023
Durani was regular member of Indian squad from 1961-1967 but ultimately he was dropped from the national squad for three years for his lacklustre performance eventually he made comeback to the national side in 1971 tour of West Indies under the leadership of Ajit Wadekar.
Easily one of the most colourful cricketers of India – Salim Durani.
Rest in Peace. ॐ शांति 🙏 pic.twitter.com/d5RUST5G9n
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 2, 2023
When Wadekar won the toss, and decided to bowl first against Caribbean’s, Durani repayed the faith shown by his leader by taking early wickets of Gary Sobers and Clive Llyod and ultimately India won that game in Port of Spain and series against West Indies for the first time on Caribbean soil.
Deeply saddened by the demise of the legendary cricketer Salim Durrani Ji. As a true cricketing icon, he leaves an enduring legacy on the pitch and in our hearts. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans in this hour of grief. Om Shanti
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 2, 2023
Durani has also acted in Bollywood movie where his first movie came opposite Parveen Babi in 1973. The movie receive acclaim success at the box office.
Cricketer Salim Durani with actress Parveen Babi in the movie 'Charitra'.
Flamboyant cricketer who played for the galleries over numbers, movie star and ultimate entertainer #SalimDurani passes away at the age of 88. #ExpressArchives pic.twitter.com/DvH6JMjwgH
— Picture India (@PictureIndia) April 2, 2023
When we talk about his first class cricket performance it is top notch, as he has amassed 8,545 runs at an average of 33.37 with 14 centuries in his arsenal.
For his contribution in Cricket, He became the first player from the gentlemen’s game to receive Arjuna Award.
Crowd always wanted to see him on cricket field as he always interacted with them and during a cricket match in Kanpur he was dropped from the squad fans who came to the stadium to witness match shared pluckcard which read “No Durani, No Cricket Match”.
