Legendary Rajinder Goel Passes Away Aged 77

Indian domestic cricket legend Rajinder Goel died on Sunday after suffering from illness for quite some time. The legendary spinner was 77 and breathed his last at his residence.

Rajinder Goel was one of those unlucky players who failed to make it to the national team despite doing extremely well in domestic circuit. During his illustrious career that spanned for over two decades, he picked up a staggering 750 wickets for Haryana. He also represented Punjab and Delhi.

Rajinder Goel holds the record for most wickets in the Ranji Trophy. He leads the tally with 637 wickets. He had an incredible 53 five-fors and 17 ten-wicket match hauls. In 2017, the BCCI had bestowed him with the prestigious CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to Indian cricket.

“It is a huge loss for the game of cricket and a personal loss for me which has left a huge void. He was one of the best, if not the best left-arm spinner that this country has seen and his record of 750 first-class wickets speaks for his tremendous ability,” former BCCI President Ranbir Singh Mahendra said.

“He represented Haryana, Delhi and Punjab in the Ranji Trophy. His contribution to the game post his retirement was massive and he would eagerly watch even an inter-district game in search for talent and remained the pivot for selection of Haryana cricket teams till he regretfully laid down his office on account of the Lodha recommendations.

“He was a thorough gentleman who remained active till the very end. In his passing, the cricket world has lost one of its finest jewels. I will miss him deeply,” he added.

Rajinder Goel first grabbed the eyeballs when he impressed for North Zone schools in 1957 by taking four wickets against West Zone in the final of the All-India schools tournament. He was also named the best bowler of the tournament. In the following season, he made his debut in Ranji Trophy.

The legendary cricketer started his career with Patiala, which then evolved into the Southern Punjab team. He moved to Delhi in 1963 and Haryana ten years later. While Rajinder Goel kept impressing in domestic arena, he never got a chance in the Indian team because of Bishan Singh Bedi’s fine performances.

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