Sudhir Naik, former India cricketer and Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy-winning captain, passes away

A right-hand opening batsman, Sudhir Naik played three Tests and two One-Day Internationals for India in 1974. But he served Mumbai cricket for a longer period, leading a depleted side to an unexpected Ranji Trophy title in 1970-71. Naik played 85 first-class matches and scored 4376 runs, including a top score of 200 not out. After his retirement from playing, he managed the the affairs of the National Cricket Club. He also played a crucial role in nurturing the careers of Zaheer Khan and Wasim Jaffer.

After retirement, Naik became quite a successful coach at his own National Cricket Club, shaping the careers of players like Zaheer Khan, Wasim Jaffer, Rajesh Pawar and Paras Mhambrey. For many years, Naik was the chief curator of the Wankhede Stadium and also had stints as a member of the MCA managing committee.

Born on February 21, 1945, Nair did not have a lengthy career on the international stage despite excelling in the domestic circuit. He made his debut in the third Test of the 1974 tour of England at Edgbaston, scoring a gritty 77 in a losing cause in the second innings.

A few days before his debut, he was accused of shop-lifting two pairs of socks at a prominent store on Oxford Street and had to plead guilty under pressure from the Indian government and BCCI.

He played only two more Tests after that — the Eden Gardens Test against West Indies in 1974 being his last — as he was not picked afterwards, finishing with 141 runs from three matches at an average of 23.50. The 77 at Edgbaston against England was his only half-century in Tests and also the highest score.

Naik is also credited with hitting the first four for India in a One-day International match in England as he scored 18 from 29 balls opening the innings with Sunil Gavaskar as India lost the match by four wickets.

In 139 innings of 85 first-class matches, Sudhir Naik scored 4376 runs at an average of 35.29, hitting seven centuries and 27 half-centuries. He had the highest score of 200 not out against Baroda in the 1973-74 Ranji Trophy.

“The Mumbai Cricket Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Sudhir Naik. His legacy will forever be etched in the history of Mumbai cricket,” the MCA said in a tweet on Wednesday.

BCCI President Roger Binny said: “We are deeply saddened by the sad demise of Shri Sudhir Naik. His solid contribution – across decades – towards the game shall inspire everyone who wants to take up the sport. The BCCI prays for the departed soul and shares the grief of the family.”

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah in a tweet said “Deeply saddened by the loss of former cricketer, coach and curator, Sudhir Naik Ji. He will always be remembered for his illustrious career at domestic and international levels. My condolences to his entire family.”

“My heartfelt condolences to Shri Sudhir Naik ji’s family and friends. His contributions to cricket will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace,” Sachin Tendulkar tweeted.

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh on Twitter wrote: “Sad news of the passing away of former Indian cricketer Sudhir Naik ji. He was the captain of the victorious Mumbai team in the 1970-71 Ranji season & later was known as an accomplished coach and one of the finest curators at Wankhede. My deepest condolences to his family.”

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of #SudhirNaik. He was my first captain when I played for Tatas. I learnt a lot while playing under him as a youngster. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace,” Kiran More tweeted.