The Indian cricket fraternity on Sunday woke up to disheartenment, as former Indian cricketer Salim Durrani well known for his movie star looks passed away at the age of 88.
A penchant for hitting sixes on demands, Durrani passed away in Jamnagar where he resided with his younger brother. Durani is said to have undergone proximal femoral nail surgery, he had broken his thigh bone after a fall earlier in January.
Born in Kabul, Duraani played 29 Tests for India between 1960 and 1973 and was highly respected in the cricketing world. The legendary all-rounder made his India debut against Australia at Brabourne, in January, and his last Test match was against England at the same venue,13 years later.
After retiring from cricket in 1973, Durani appeared in the film Charitra with Parveen Babi and became the first cricketer to win the Arjuna Award. He managed just one century and seven fifties scoring a total of 1,202 runs in 50 innings for the national team. He also went on to make his Bollywood debut starring opposite renowned actor Praveen Babi in the movie Charitra in 1973.
Cricketers and public personalities from across India and the world took to social media to pay tribute to the legend.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “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.”
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri also extended his condolences.