Dilip Doshi was one of the most skilled leg-spinners in Indian history and is often considered an underrated legend. He was born on 22 December 1947 in Rajkot, Gujarat. He had a deep love for cricket since childhood. He started his journey in first-class cricket for the Bengal team and attracted the attention of the national selectors with his consistently outstanding performances.
What makes Dilip Doshi’s career particularly exceptional is his late arrival in international cricket. While players usually make their debut in their twenties, Doshi made his cricket debut at the age of 31 against Australia in 1979. Many people think that starting in international cricket at this age is not enough, but Doshi proved everyone wrong.
He played 33 Tests match for India and took 114 wickets, as well as taking 32 wickets in 15 ODIs. His bowling average was a commendable 30.71 in Tests and 23.81 in ODIs. As successful as he was on the international stage, he also dominated domestic cricket with a total of 898 wickets in first-last cricket, which is a true reflection of his skill and hard work.
In 1981, in a Test match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Dilip Doshi bowled with a broken leg and took five wickets in India’s victory. His contribution was like that of a historical warrior. He ignored the pain and kept the team motivated, which is still remembered in the history of Indian cricket.
The convict was successful not only in international cricket but also in county cricket. In England, he played for Nottingham and took many magnificent wickets.
After retirement, Dilip Doshi focused on business and divided his time between Mumbai, Rajkot, and London with his son Nayan Doshi, a left-arm spinner who played county cricket in England.
On 23 June 2025, Dilip Doshi suffered a heart attack in London, leaving the entire cricketing world in mourning. Both teams wore black armbands during the ongoing England-India Test match and observed a minute’s silence to pay their respects. BCCI has paid tribute to him by many former cricketers and officials.
Dilip Doshi’s life is not a story of a cricketing career. It is a story of perseverance, self-confidence, and a relentless example. Neither age nor lack of opportunity could stop him. Even today, his achievements are a source of inspiration for Indian spinners.