Former India all-rounder Bapu Nadkarni dies at 86

Born in Nashik, Nadkarni — a left-arm orthodox spinner — was considered one of the most economical bowlers ever in the game as he conceded just 1.67 runs per over in his Test career.

Former India all-rounder Bapu Nadkarni in action.

 

Former India all-rounder, Bapu Nadkarni, 86, breathed his last here on Friday due to age-related ailments.

Nadkarni — a veteran of 41 Tests in 1950-1960s — was ailing for quite some time, and passed away at his daughter Anuradha Khare’s residence in Powai at 5.45 pm.

Born in Nashik in Maharashtra, Nadkarni — a left-arm orthodox spinner — was considered one of the most economical bowlers ever in the game, as he conceded just 1.67 runs per over in his Test career.

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The cricketing fraternity still remembers Nadkarni’s feat of bowling 21 successive maidens in the fourth Test against England in Madras in 1964. His analysis of 32-27-5-0 is still considered one of the finest displays of bowling in the longer format of the game.

In the 1960-61 series against Pakistan, he had bowling figures of 32-24-23-0 in Kanpur, followed by 34-24-24-1 in Delhi.

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In the nets, Nadkarni would bowl endlessly at a coin placed on a good length. That, he later said, helped him improve his game. Even though he is remembered for his economical bowling, Nadkarni also scored 1414 runs in Tests -- including a century against England and seven half-centuries. While he claimed 88 wickets in Test cricket, Nadkarni scalped 500 wickets in 191 first-class appearances.