Indian cricket fraternity mourns first-class giant Rajinder Goel's demise

Rajinder Goel, 77, one of the greatest bowlers in Indian domestic cricket took his last breath in Rohtak on Sunday after battling long term illness. He was a cricketer who holds the record for most wickets in Ranji Trophy, despite which he was never selected to play for India.

Being a left-arm spinner, he represented Patiala, Southern Punjab, Delhi and Haryana in domestic cricket. The presence of the Indian spin legend, Bishen Singh Bedi, who bowled in a similar style, restricted his appearances for India. When Bedi was dropped from the team for the Bangalore Test against West Indies in 1974-75 on disciplinary grounds for appearing in a BBC interview, Goel was selected for the Indian team but was excluded at the last moment. He was unlucky but he had the grace to accept his destiny without complaining about it.

He left a legacy behind him and the fans remember him not only for his monumental skills but also for the kind of human being he was. Sunil Gavaskar in his book ‘Idols’ called Goel, “The Smiling Assasin”, for his courteous attitude. He played 26 seasons of first-class cricket between 1958-59 and 1984-85 picking up 750 first-class wickets from 157 games which had 59 five-fors and 18 ten-wicket-hauls, a magnificent career indeed.

Indian cricketers send condolences to Rajinder Goel’s family

The Indian cricket fraternity mourned the demise and paid tribute to the left-arm spin great Rajinder Goel. BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly marked his anguish terming him a “Giant of domestic cricket”. His stunning record tells you about his craft and the control he had over it, Ganguly said in his condolence statement.

“To have a career that lasts more than 25 years and still be able to perform consistently speaks about his dedication and commitment towards the game. To be able to pick 750 wickets needs years and years of hard work and I salute his efforts. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family,” the former India captain said as quoted by the BCCI statement.

Dashing opener Virender Sehwag tweeted in his style terming it was the Indian team’s loss that Goel never played for the International team. Indian team head coach Ravi Shastri tweeted that he was the ‘Master of his craft’..Killer line & length in our terrain. Several other cricketers also paid their homage to the legend.

During his playing days, Goel was employed by the State Bank of India. He later served as a selector for Haryana and the Indian junior teams. His son Nitin Goel was also a first-class cricketer for Haryana.

Here are the tweets

Rest in peace Rajinder Goel Sir. My thoughts and prayers with the family. God bless your soul 🙏 pic.twitter.com/qH7ZCIFsIC

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 21, 2020

The highest wicket taker in Ranji trophy cricket #RajinderGoel passes away, all I heard growing up was “what a fine left arm spinner Rajinder Goel was” I haven’t seen you bowl sir, but you have left a legacy that will last forever. #RipRajindergoel

— Ashwin (During Covid 19)🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 22, 2020

Rest in peace Rajinder Goel ji 🙏🏻
One of the finest players in the domestic circuit. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) June 22, 2020

Rajinder Goel was a legendary left-arm spinner and I was lucky enough to know such a great human being. RIP, Goel Saab. Your simplicity and humility will forever be missed.

— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) June 22, 2020

Very sad news RIP Rajinder Goel ji #RipRajindergoel ji 🏏🙏🙏

— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3) June 22, 2020

Rest in peace Sir🙏Was lucky 2 click this picture wit u. My Childhood Coach #ManabSir will always share stories about ur skill nd how good u were nd unlucky not 2 play 4 India🇮🇳It was a special moment 4 me wen I met u in person.Condolence 2 ur families nd friends🙏 #RajinderGoel pic.twitter.com/WUhzjqKwHb

— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) June 22, 2020

Still remember Sunil Gavaskar bhai wrote in his book that Shri Rajinder Goel was the unluckiest cricketer not to don Indian jersey. His first-class record speaks for itself. My prayers and thoughts for his entire family at this tough period. #RajinderGoel

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) June 22, 2020

Deeply saddened at the passing away of Rajinder Goel. One of the strong pillars of our domestic cricket. Served the game meritoriously despite an India call. My condolences to his family.

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 22, 2020

Saddened to hear about the passing away of Rajinder Goel ji! He was a stalwart of Indian Domestic Cricket picking up more than 600 wickets in the Ranji Trophy.
May his soul Rest in Peace and my heartfelt condolences to his near and dear ones. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/hqDoSsoL5y

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 22, 2020

Have always been staggered by the records of Shivalkar & Rajinder Goel.
Here’s Goel’s FC record for you – 157 matches, 750 wickets!
59 five wicket hauls & 18 times 10 wkts in a match. Avg -18.58.
That’s bradmanesque in bowling – 5 wkts every 2.6 matches.
RIP Goel Sir 🙏

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) June 22, 2020

A hero for many passes away, His unconditional love for his craft made him unique. Long live your contribution to Indian Cricket. My condolences. #RajenderGoel Saab pic.twitter.com/aWrc26eNf9

— Amol Muzumdar (@amolmuzumdar11) June 22, 2020

A very simple, humble man. Highest wicket taker in his last first class season. 750 First- class wickets but never played for India. Was India’s loss. Rajinder Goel ji ko vinamra Shraddhanjali. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/qTYvalr1nU

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 21, 2020

Sad to hear of the passing away of Shri. Rajinder Goyal, one of the finest first-class spinners of India. His Ranji trophy record of 750 wickets is a great benchmark in the history of cricket. My deepest condolences to his family 🙏🏻🙏🏻 #RIPRajinderGoyalJi

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 22, 2020

RIP #RajinderGoel ji. Master of his craft. Killer line & length in our terrain. Humility personified. Condolences to the entire family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/C3YJNPob1e

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) June 21, 2020