Former India Test cricketer Rajinder Pal passes away

Former Indian Test cricketer Rajinder Pal passed away at his residence in Dehradun. Pal, who had represented India in his solitary game against England, was a prominent figure in India’s domestic setup. A right-arm medium pace bowler, he served various Ranji teams at the domestic level.

The news about his demise was confirmed by his younger brother Ravinder Pal, who also happens to be a former first-class cricketer. “My elder brother Rajinder Pal passed away at his Dehradun residence. He was 80 years old and is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter,” he mentioned.

Solitary India game against England

Rajinder played his only international game for his country against the English in 1963-64 series at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. The Delhi-born medium pacer didn’t have a great outing with the ball as he went wicketless in both the innings. His spells of 13 economical overs (0/19 in 11 overs & 0/3 in 2 overs), forced him to be left out of the team in the next game.

Coincidentally, one of India’s most deceptive leg-spinner to have ever played the game in that era, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar also made his debut in the same match against England. It was many contrary careers that eventually panned out for both the debutants, as Chandrasekhar went on to form a part of India’s formidable spin quartet in that era.

Reckoning force at the domestic level

It was much on the expected lines that a medium pace bowler found it difficult to make it to the playing XI on most occasions given the attack featured some of the best spin bowlers of all time. However, Pal had a decent career span at the domestic level. He represented Delhi for over a decade, followed by stints at Southern Punjab and Haryana. In his 98 first class games, Rajinder mustered 337 scalps with a staggering 23 wicket hauls.

In one of his most recent public appearances before his demise, he was present at a felicitation function of former state captains organised by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). The Delhi veteran shared the anecdotes of his playing days alongside the legendary Tiger Pataudi. The pain was genuine as one would feel that his abilities weren’t awarded with enough opportunities at the higher level.

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