Former Gujarat Cricketer Walter D'Souza Passes Away At 93
Published - 11 Apr 2020, 02:08 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 07:41 AM

Former Gujarat cricketer Walter D’Souza passed away at 93 on Saturday. He took his last breath at his home in Khar, suburb of Mumbai. He was one of India’s oldest living cricketers, is now survived by his wife Eudora, daughters Marina, Vinita and son Suresh.
Former Gujarat coach Vijay Patel and the cricket fraternity expressed their condolences on D’Souza’s death. “Since Gujarat was the Ranji Trophy champion that year, we had invited him for the Irani Cup. He was 90 and even then, he came and interacted with the players. It was a memorable afternoon,” Patel was quoted as saying by Sportstar.
Walter D’Souza, one of India’s oldest living first-class cricketers (Gujarat and ACC) until yesterday morning, returned to the pavilion with 93 against his name. He died in his sleep. Well played, Sir. You were truly a good man to know!
Pic courtesy @mid_day pic.twitter.com/jVu6j1wanJ— Clayton J Murzello (@ClaytonMurzello) April 10, 2020
A look at Walter D’Souza’s career

D’Souza played first-class cricket from 1947/48 to 1965/66. He played 16 matches for Gujarat, scoring 821 runs at an average of 35.69. He had the high score of 91 and also picked up seven wickets. He was proud when Gujarat lifted their first Ranji trophy under the captaincy of Parthiv Patel in 2016-17.
“I never thought I’d live to see this day. I always felt that Parthiv is a gritty man, a brave man and he could achieve this win for Gujarat. He has done us proud,” D’Souza told mid-day after Patel & Co lifted the Ranji Trophy.
D’Souza claimed to be the first Goan to play in the Ranji Trophy. “Life is a gesture of good feelings. Be straight forward, honest and humble,” was his advice.
Besides this, he also featured for Mumbai’s Times Shield for ACC. The tournament during those days attracted large crowd from across the country.