‘He was a cricketing legend, an institution in himself’ - PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to Salim Durani

Former India cricketer Salim Durani passed away at the age of 88 in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on April 2. He made his international debut against Australia on January 1, 1960, and went on to represent the national team in 29 Test matches, scoring 1202 runs and picking 75 wickets. He also has a Test century to his name, which he scored against the West Indies in 1962 in Port of Spain.

Meanwhile, remembering him for his contributions, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Durani was a cricketing legend and an institution in himself. He also mentioned that Durani was known for his style and his death has given him a lot of pain.

“Salim Durani Ji was a cricketing legend, an institution in himself. He made a key contribution to India's rise in the world of cricket. On and off the field, he was known for his style. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace,” Modi wrote on Twitter.

“Salim Durani Ji had a very old and strong association with Gujarat. He played for Saurashtra and Gujarat for a few years. He also made Gujarat his home. I have had the opportunity to interact with him and was deeply impressed by his multifaceted persona. He will surely be missed,” he added.

Narendra Modi@narendramodi

I had the opportunity to interact with the great Salim Durani Ji on various occasions. One such occasion was in January 2004 at a programme in Jamnagar, in which a statue of the great cricketer Vinoo Mankad Ji was inaugurated. Here are some memories from the programme.

01:16 PM · Apr 02, 2023

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Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated that India lost one of its crown jewels with Durani’s death. “Gutted to hear about the passing away of one of Team India legends Salim Durani. Today, we have lost one of Indian cricket's crown jewels,” wrote Shah. on Twitter.

Jay Shah@JayShah

Gutted to hear about the passing away of one of Team India legends Salim Durani. Today, we have lost one of Indian cricket's crown jewels. Condolences to his family. RIP Salim Durani ji.

11:13 AM · Apr 02, 2023

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Durani will always be remembered for his brilliant spell against the West Indies in India’s first Test win on Caribbean soil. He dismissed Clive Lloyd (15) and Sir Gary Sobers (0) to bring India back to the game as they eventually won the match by seven wickets. Notably, Durani played his last international match against England on February 6, 1973, at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.