A legend of the Ranji Trophy, Shivalkar had an outstanding career. He played 124 first-class matches and took an impressive 589 wickets at an average of 19.69. Batters were often deceived by his flight, accuracy, and sharp turns, making him one of the finest spinners in Indian domestic cricket history.
One of the most memorable performances came in the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy final, where he completely dismantled Tamil Nadu’s batting lineup. His outstanding bowling figures of 8 for 16 and 5 for 18 helped Mumbai (then Bombay) secure a dominant victory, further strengthening his reputation as a match-winner. Despite his brilliance, he never got the chance to play for India at the international level, as another left-arm spin great, Bishan Singh Bedi, was active during the same time.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia also expressed his grief, saying, “Shivalkar Sir was looked up to by many cricketers. His consistency, skill, and long career were truly remarkable. Though he never got the opportunity to play for India, his impact on Indian cricket, especially in Mumbai, will always be remembered.
Condolence for Padmakr Shivalkar “Sir” was shared by VVS Laxman on X. he mentioned that stories of Shivalkar’s achievements in domestic cricket had been heard by him and that it was fortunate he never got the chance to represent the country.
However, his immense contributions to Indian cricket were recognized. In 2017, he was honored by the BCCI with the prestigious Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.
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