Dilip Doshi: A Rare Test Debut After Thirty, But Impactful From The Start

When Dilip Doshi finally donned the Indian Test cap in September 1979, he was 30 years old—an age when most international players are already peaking or considering retirement. But the left-arm spinner made up for lost time with a sensational debut against Australia in Chennai, claiming six wickets in the first innings and two in the second. It was a beginning that announced not just a cricketer’s arrival but the arrival of a man who had waited years for his chance and seized it with poise and precision.

India Mourns the Passing of Veteran Spinner Dilip Doshi at 77

India is grieving the loss of one of its most dedicated and effective spin bowlers, Dilip Rasiklal Doshi, who passed away on 23 June 2025, at the age of 77. Born in December 1947 and tracing his roots to Gujarat though raised in Bengal, Doshi’s cricketing journey is one marked by resilience, quiet achievement, and understated greatness. Despite debuting late on the international stage, he ended up claiming over 100 Test wickets, joining an elite group of bowlers who started their careers post-30 and still made an indelible mark.

Consistency Over Flash: A Career Defined by Control and Commitment

Following his impactful debut, Doshi quickly became a regular fixture in India’s Test side. His performances remained steady, even if not always headline-grabbing. He was known for his accuracy, flight, and discipline. At Bombay in 1981–82, he delivered one of his few match-turning spells with a five-wicket haul against England, helping India secure a critical first-innings lead in a low-scoring game.

Despite his reliability, Doshi’s international career gradually faded with the emergence of younger talents like Maninder Singh. Yet, his role during India’s transitional phase in spin bowling remains significant.

ODI Career: Short Yet Statistically Strong

Though his One Day International career spanned just 15 matches, Doshi’s numbers stood out. He had an impressive bowling average of 23.81 and maintained a tight economy rate of 3.96—commendable figures in the early 1980s. His best performance came against New Zealand at Brisbane, where he picked up 4 for 30.

However, his lack of batting prowess and modest fielding abilities meant selectors preferred all-rounders like Ravi Shastri, particularly in crucial tournaments such as the 1983 World Cup.

Record Holder for the Wrong Reasons—but With Grace

Batting was never Doshi’s strength, and he became infamous for it. With a batting average of just 4.60 in Test cricket, he is often cited among the game’s least effective with the bat. Most notably, he holds the record for never batting above anyone in the order—all 38 of his Test innings came at the number 11 position.



Yet, what some considered a weakness became part of his endearing identity. Fans and teammates alike respected his ability to laugh off the jibes, knowing full well that his value lay in the overs he bowled, not the runs he couldn’t score.

Domestic Dominance and County Career

Long before and after his international days, Doshi carved out a stellar domestic career. After starting with Saurashtra, he found his stride in Bengal, becoming one of Ranji Trophy’s most reliable bowlers. A highlight remains his astonishing 6 for 6 against Assam in 1974—an unmatched record in the domestic sphere.

He also made a mark in England’s county cricket, representing Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire. Across all first-class matches, Doshi took 898 wickets at an average of 26.58—numbers that underline his longevity and skill across conditions.

Captaincy, Dhaka Tour, and Quiet Legacy

In March 1983, Doshi led a Bengal team on a brief tour to Dhaka, Bangladesh, where he once again proved his worth. With match figures of 7/39 and 5/74 in a three-day game and three more wickets in a limited-overs fixture, he demonstrated the enduring craft of his spin.

That tour is rarely mentioned in mainstream cricket circles but represents the kind of dedication Doshi brought to every team he played for—always competitive, always reliable.

A Farewell to an Understated Hero

Dilip Doshi’s cricket career may never have been about superstardom, but it was one of solid service, professional pride, and the fulfilment of a passion long pursued. He broke into the Test team when many thought his time had passed—and left with records that many younger debutants never matched.

As tributes pour in, it is clear that Doshi’s journey resonates far beyond scorecards. He will be remembered as the rare spinner who let the ball speak for him, the patient craftsman who proved that late starts can still lead to lasting legacies.