Mumbai Cricket suffered a huge loss as former cricketer Kiran Asher, a wicket-keeper batsman, breathed his last on Saturday in Mumbai. He was 69 years old suffering from Kidney problems and eventually lost the fight against the ailment at the Jaslok hospital.

Born on June 19, 1947, Asher had a short yet memorable first class career. He played in just seven first-class matches, scoring 306 runs at 38.25 and effecting 14 dismissals after making his debut for Bombay against Rest of India in the 1968-69 Irani Cup, which his team lost by 119 runs.

The Rise in Mumbai Circles:

Asher made an impact in the Mumbai cricketing circles with a knock of 100 from No. 7 while Mumbai Schools against Baroda Schools in the 1962-63 Cooch Behar Trophy. His knock involved a seventh-wicket stand of 236 with Mahesh Sampat (144) which further ensured him the limelight.

As a young boy, he also toured Sri Lanka as a part of the India Schools in April 1964 along with future Test cricketers Ramnath Parkar, Eknath Solkar and Surinder Amarnath and Ashok Gandotra.

Glorious Days With Sunil Gavaskar:

The most glorious moment of his career came in 1971-72 Moin-ud-Dowlah Gold Cup where he struck 105 playing for the Associated Cement Company against Hyderabad Cricket Association XI in the semi-final of the contest. That inning remains his best career knock.

The uniqueness of the knock was that most of those runs came when batting along India legend Sunil Gavaskar (94) in the solid stand of 183 runs.

He made his entry at the Ranji level in the 1976/77 semi-final fixture against Tamil Nadu. The match was also one of the most special occasions for him as he made all-round contributions.

Behind the sticks, he effected two dismissals and when batting he enjoyed a special time with Sunil Gavaskar adding up 199 for the opening wicket. Asher made 86 while his star partner made 120. He featured in the finals as well but could not make any huge contribution in the huge 129 runs win against Delhi.

Asher played two more Ranji games – against Saurashtra and Baroda – before his career came to an end.