The semi -finals of the Champions Trophy are to be held between India and Australia on March 4 and Indian cricket has suffered a major setback just before this match. Actually the country has lost a legendary player. These veteran players are Padmakar Shivalkar, who died on Monday 3 March. Padmakar Shivalkar was 84 years old and breathed his last in Mumbai. Padmakar Shivalkar has been a legendary player of Indian domestic cricket who played for Mumbai for a full 20 years. However, despite his best performance, he never got a chance to play in Team India. Padmakar Shivalkar could not play in Team India because during that time, left -handed spinner Bishan Singh Bedi was one of the main bowlers of Team India.

Padmakar Shivalkar's career

Shivalkar started his first -class career at the age of 21 in the 1961/62 season and he played for 1987/88 season. Padmakar Shivalkar continued to play for Mumbai till the age of 47. Padmakar Shivalkar played 124 first class matches and took 589 wickets. Padmakar Shivalkar took five wickets 42 times, while he managed to take 10 wickets in a match 13 times. In the final of the Ranji Trophy 1972/73, he took 8 wickets for 16 runs against Tamil Nadu and 5 wickets for 18 runs in the second innings. Mumbai's team won the 15th consecutive title on the basis of this strong performance.

RIP Paddy! Padmakar Shivalkar, A Spin Great Who Never Made It to the Test World Because It was the Era of Bedi, Prasanna, and Chandra. Had the absolute pleasure of spending time with him at the nets 20 yrs ago, The man could still land it on a coin and spin it a yard. (1940-2025) pic.twitter.com/xwwkrh0wnj

- Maybe Yoda (@yoda_maybe) March 3, 2025

A wave of mourning on the death of Padmakar Shivalkar

Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Ajinkya Naik has mourned the death of Padmakar Shivalkar. Padmakar Shivalkar said, 'Mumbai cricket has lost a true legend today. Padmakar Shivalkar Sir's contribution to the game, especially as one of the greatest spinners ever, will always be remembered. His dedication, skill and influence on Mumbai cricket are incomparable. His death is a major loss for the cricket community. may his soul rest in peace.' On the death of this veteran player, Team India can play in the semi -finals of the Champions Trophy wearing a black bandage. Please tell Padmakar Shivalkar in 2016 C.K. The Naidu Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded.