Former India all-rounder Salim Durani passes away at 88

image-lfyxivjeSalim Durani was India's only Test cricketer to be born in Afghanistan (Source: Twitter)

Former Indian cricketer, Salim Durani, passed away on Sunday morning at his home in Jamnagar, Gujarat. According to sources close to his family, Durani, who was 88 years old, had been suffering from age-related ailments. He had undergone surgery earlier this year after breaking his thigh bone in a fall.



Durani was particularly famous for his performance in India's series victory against England in 1961-62, where he took eight and ten wickets in the Kolkata and Chennai Tests respectively to lead India to a 2-0 series victory.

However, it was perhaps the former all-rounder's magical spell in India's first Test win in the West Indies in 1971 that cemented his place in cricketing folklore. Facing Clive Lloyd and Garry Sobers in the second innings in Port-of-Spain, Durani dismissed both players in quick succession, with Sobers being dismissed for a duck. His spell helped India to a seven-wicket win, and Durani conceded just 21 runs in the 17 overs he bowled.

Born in Kabul in 1934 to Afghan parents, the southpaw was renowned for his aggressive style of batting and his six-hitting ability. He played a total of 29 Tests for India, taking 75 wickets and scoring 1202 runs. His best bowling figure was 10 for 177, while his highest score with the bat was 104 against the West Indies. The Indian veteran also played domestic cricket for Saurashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

Durani's passing is a great loss to the cricketing world, and his contributions to the sport will always be remembered. The cricket community mourns his loss, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers