Former Indian cricketer Salim Durani has passed away at the age of 88 in his home in Jamnagar. His family confirmed the same to news agency PTI and said that he passed away because of age-related problems.
One of the most colourful cricketers of all time, Salim Durani was a trend-setter and was a widely respected individual in the cricketing fraternity of India.
In January earlier this year, Salim Durani had broken his thigh bone. For this very reason, the former Indian cricketer has gone through a proximal femoral nail surgery. He was living with his brother Jahangir Durani in Jamnagar.
Salim Durani had played 29 Tests for India and was a good all-rounder. He was a southpaw and a left-arm spinner and had a keen understanding of the game. Durani could tonk sixes with ease and was one of the explosive batters of his time.
Salim Durani is the only Indian cricketer who was born in Afghanistan
The all-rounder was born in Kabul, Afghanistan on 11th December 1934. He remains the only Indian cricketer till date to have been born in Afghanistan and to have represented the Indian cricket team. Salim Durani is the son of the late Abdul Aziz, who was a former first-class cricketer and Indian cricket coach.
He breathed fire with the ball in the series versus England in 1961-62
In 1961-62, Salim Durani outfoxed the English batters and produced some exceptional figures. He was one of the main architects of India’s series win over the Three Lions. The all-rounder bagged 8 and 10 wickets respectively in Kolkata and Chennai and inspired India to a series victory.
Salim Durani was a part of the film Charitra
Salim Durani made an appearance in a Bollywood film called Charitra alongside famous actress, the late Parveen Babi. The film was released in 1973 and it was directed by B.R. Ishara. Late Bappi Lahiri was the music director of this film.
He had a superb connection with the fans
Salim Durani had a special connection and bond with the Indian cricket fans. He was loved and admired by all and was a fan favourite. Once in 1973, when Durani was dropped from the Kanpur Test, the fans created a ruckus.
They shouted and raised slogans which read “No Durani, No Test”.
Durani was also present during the historic India vs Afghanistan Test match in 2018, where Ajinkya Rahane was the captain of Team India.
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