Former cricketer Salim Durrani passed away at his Jamnagar home on Sunday morning due to age-related ailments. file | Photo Credit: PTI
Salim Durani, Indian cricketer with 1960s film star looks, likable sense of humor and fondness for hitting monstrous sixes on demand, passed away on Sunday.
He was 88 years old. His death was confirmed by sources close to the family.
He was living with his younger brother Jehangir Durani in Jamnagar, Gujarat. In January this year, Durani underwent surgery for a proximal femoral nail after breaking his thigh bone in a fall.
Kabul-born Durrani, who packed a punch with his bat and was also a left-arm orthodox bowler, played 29 Tests and was instrumental in defeating England 2–0 in the historic five-match Test series in 1961–62. played the part. took eight and 10 wickets in the team’s victories at Calcutta and Madras.
Durani, known for his classy dressing style and swagger, scored just one century, although he scored seven fifties in 50 innings he played for the country, scoring 1,202 runs.
A decade after the historic victory against England, he played a key role in India’s victory against the West Indies at Port of Spain by dismissing both Clive Lloyd and Sir Garfield Sobers.
The star cricketer also ventured into Bollywood in 1973, starring opposite noted actor Praveen Babi in the film Charitra.
PM Modi expressed grief over the death of Salim Durani
Condoling the demise of the legendary Indian cricketer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he contributed significantly to India’s rise in the world of cricket.
Prime Minister Modi said in a tweet, “Salim Durani ji was a legend of cricket, an institution in himself. He contributed significantly to the rise of India in the world of cricket. He was known for his style on and off the field. I am saddened by his death. Condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”
Noting that Salim Durani had a very old and strong association with Gujarat, the Prime Minister said that he played for Saurashtra and Gujarat for a few years and also made the state his home.
“I have had the opportunity to interact with him and have been deeply impressed by his multifaceted personality. He will be sorely missed.’