Former India opener and Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy-winning captain Sudhir Naik passed away at the age of 78. He was in the intensive care unit of a private hospital after he suffered a fall at his residence on March 24. Naik has played three Tests and two ODIs for India.
Sudhir Naik is known astute captain for leading the depleted Mumbai team to the Ranji Trophy title in the absence of their star players Sunil Gavaskar, Ajit Wadekar, Dilip Sardesai, and Ashok Mankad in 1971. Naik did very well and in the Ranji Trophy, he scored 2687 runs (40.10) with the highest score of 200 not out against Baroda in 1973–74.
In his three tests for his national side, he scored 141 runs, while in two ODIs he played and made 38 score total.
Roger Binny, president, of BCCI, said: “We are deeply saddened by the sad demise of Shri Sudhir Naik. His solid contribution – across decades – towards the game shall inspire everyone who wants to take up the sport. The BCCI prays for the departed soul and shares the grief of the family.
BCCI expresses sadness at passing away of Sudhir Naikhttps://t.co/Q9YdaXIIMi
— BCCI (@BCCI) April 6, 2023
Jay Shah, secretary, BCCI: “I am pained to learn of the passing of Shri Sudhir Naik. This is a big loss and I express my condolences to his family, friends and everyone at the Mumbai Cricket Association. Shri Naik was really passionate and served the game in various capacities be it as a cricketer, coach, curator or administrator. He had a keen eye for talent and helped shape the careers of many cricketers,” BCCI expressed their sadness about Sudhir Naik.
Sudhir Naik had a most extensive and impressive career in domestic Indian cricket in the varied capacities of a cricketer, coach, and ground curator. Naik was praised for the pitch and outfield at the Wankhede Cricket Ground in Mumbai on which the final of the 2011 World Cup was played.
He Had Complete Faith In Me – Zaheer Khan Recalls The Memories Of Sudhir Naik
Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan recalled his recent conversation with Sudhir Naik, where he visited him in the hospital days before his unfortunate demise.
“When I saw Sir lying in the hospital bed during my recent visit, a conversation I had with him years ago flashed through my mind. I had gone to the National Cricket Club ground at Cross Maidan in Mumbai and Sir saw me bowl at the nets. Even today, it’s a mystery what he saw in me,” Zaheer Khan said.
Zaheer Khan further continued that Mumbai had good pacers in the team, but Sudhir backed him as a rookie to do well for Mumbai, stating that the former Mumbai Skipper had complete faith in him.
“I was surprised because the team already had good pacers and I was a newbie. I had no experience of playing competitive cricket, never played at any level but still, he had complete faith in me,” Zaheer Khan said added.
Under his coaching, the likes of Zaheer Khan, Wasim Jaffer, and Parat Mhambrey were trained in Mumbai. Former Indian Cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, and Kiran More expressed their condolences for the loss of the legendary Mumbai Captain.