‘He made a key contribution to India’s rise in the world of cricket’ – PM Modi mourns passing away of Indian cricketing legend
Salim Durani dies aged 88 (Source – Twitter)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his social media to mourn the loss of the former Indian cricketer Salim Durani who died at the age of 88. Durani was one of India’s great all-rounders of his time. He was known for his aggressive batting and the ability to turn the match around by taking crucial wickets as a bowler. He lived with his brother, Jahangir Durani, in Gujarat, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. He also underwent proximal femoral nail surgery after he broke his thigh bone in a fall in January this year.
Through his Twitter, PM Modi mentioned that he once got a chance to meet Durani and he was so impressed by his multifaceted persona. The Indian Prime Minister also added that Durani was a key contributor to India’s rise in the cricketing world. At last, he gave his condolences to Durani’s family and friends.
‘May his soul rest in peace’ – PM Modi
“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,” PM Modi wrote on Twitter.
“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,” he shared in another Tweet.
Durani appeared in 29 Tests for India from 1960 to 1973, where he scored 1202 runs at an average of 25.04 including seven half-centuries and one hundred. On the other hand, he also scalped 75 wickets for India.
He also had a good record in First class cricket amassing 8545 runs in 170 averaging 33.37 and taking 484 wickets in 170 matches. Durani was also the main anchor of India’s famous victories against England’s 1961-62 tour where he finished by taking eight and ten wickets in Kolkata and Chennai respectively.
