5 things you must know about one of India's unluckiest cricketers Padmakar Shivalkar

#5 Honorary mention in Gavaskar’s Idols

(Image Courtesy: Indian Express)

This legendary spinner received plenty of appreciation at various levels for his bowling, however, the praise from Sunil Gavaskar deserves a special mention.

Gavaskar was arguably the most complete batsmen of that era and hence for Shivalkar, Gavaskar’s appreciation in some way soothes the pain of not playing Test cricket.

Gavaskar’s book ‘Idols’ is a collection of short essays on cricketers he admired and considered his favourites. It includes legends like Kapil Dev, Gundappa Vishwanath, Chappell brothers and Richard Hadlee. From players who never played Test cricket, only two made into this list- Rajinder Goel and Padmakar Shivalkar.

Gavaskar said that during his captaincy he always tried to persuade selectors to include Shivalkar in the side, but due to a fierce competition, he was unsuccessful. Gavaskar claims that Shivalkar would have easily waked in the Indian team if he had played in some different decade.

Padmakar Shivalkar had all the qualities which are required to become an international cricketer. His only flaw? He was born in the wrong era. That’s why they say along with skill, knowledge, and talent, players need that special touch of luck for playing at the highest level!