Salim Durani: Big-hearted Afghan who played for love of game

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condoled the demise of legendary Indian cricketer Salim Durani and said he made a key contribution to India's rise in the world of cricket.

Durani, a stylish India cricketer of the 1960s with movie-star looks and a penchant for hitting monstrous sixes on demand, died on Sunday. He was 88.

In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi said, "Salim Durani Ji was a cricketing legend, an institution in himself. He made a key contribution to India's rise in the world of cricket. On and off the field, he was known for his style. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace." Noting that Salim Durani had a very old and strong association with Gujarat, the prime minister said he played for Saurashtra and Gujarat for a few years, and also made the state his home.

Durani lived in Gujarat

"I have had the opportunity to interact with him and was deeply impressed by his multifaceted persona. He will surely be missed," Modi said.

Durani lived with his younger brother Jahangir Durani in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The Kabul-born Durani, who packed a punch with his bat and was also a handy left-arm orthodox bowler, played 29 Tests and was instrumental in India defeating England 2-0 in the historic five-match Test series in 1961-62, picking up eight and ten wickets in the team's victories in Calcutta and Madras respectively.

Ask for a Six

Sunil Gavaskar had once written that if ever Salim Durani wrote his autobiography, the apt title would be, 'Ask for a Six'.

Those who are still alive to recollect Indian cricket's nascent days in the 1960s and early 70s, one thing that remains etched in almost everyone's memory is that if spectators wanted a big hit, Durani duly obliged.

By shouting "Sixerrrrr, Sixerrrr', the 90,000 spectators at the then raucous Eden Gardens would make optimal use of their lungs. And legend has it that the very next ball would either soar into long on or deep midwicket stands.

Durani was the 'people's man', whose impact can never be quantified by the 29 Test matches that he played over 13 years between 1960 to 1973, or the 1200 plus runs he scored and 75 wickets that he took with his mean left-arm spin.

The 88-year-old will forever remain 'Prince Salim' of Indian cricket, Salim bhai to all young and old.

He was a "Prince" in terms of attitude and also won many hearts.

A lone hundred, three five-wicket hauls, and a mediocre batting average of 25-plus doesn't tell the whole story.

At a time when Test match fee was Rs 300, Durani was more of an amateur, whose only agenda was to enjoy and let others have fun.

Inputs from PTI