One of the finest left-arm spinners the country Padmakar Kashinath Shivalkar, popularly known as ‘Paddy’ is no more. He passed away in Mumbai on Monday. He was 84. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter. A slow left-arm orthodox spinner, Shivalkar spent over 20 years playing for Bombay and was the highest wicket taker for his team. He was almost 50 when he retired. In 2016, he received the C.K.Nayadu Lifetime Achievement award , the highest honour conferred by BCCI on a former player.
Padmakar Shivalkar
Shivalkar was unlucky not to be selected for the Indian Test side, as his career coincided with that of Bishan Singh Bedi. His best bowling figures came in the final of the Ranji Trophy in 1972–73, when he took 8 for 16 and 5 for 18 for Bombay against Tamil Nadu . In the previous season’s semi-final he had taken 8 for 19 and 5 for 31 against Mysore.
A book written by Padmakar Shivalkar, ‘Ha Chendu Daivagaticha’ has been published. Book was compiled by Shri Arun Ghadigaokar and published by Dimple Publication and Ananda yatri a group of friends of Padmakar Shivalkar. Not many were aware of his passion for music. He was a passionate singer and after retirement took to coaching at the Shivaji Park .