Renowned cricket personality Milind Rege passed away today, after suffering heart attack. He was 76. An all rounder, Milind played for Mumbai team from 1966 to 1978. He also captained Mumbai Cricket team. Milind played 52 first class matches and took 126 wickets at an average of 29.23 and scored 1532 runs at an average of 23.56. Milind suffered first heart attack at the age of 26, but he returned to play after taking a break for one year. He was an off spinner and a very good middle order batsman, having helped Mumbai team win some important matches at crucial stage.
Milind Rege
Milind was a close friend of legendary Sunil Gavaskar and before playing active cricket, both of them also represented their school St.Xavier’s High School, in Table tennis at the inter school meets. Later, in School’s cricket, Milind captained St. Xavier’s School. He always remained in close touch with his school and college friends till recent times. Recalling his good old school days, his friend Jayant Rane , who kept the wickets for St. Xavier’s School team said, “ Milind was a fantastic all rounder. While bowling, he used to signal to me that the next ball would be a late cutter and that really puzzled the batsman.”
St. Xavier’s School team: Milind Rege- Captain( Sitting 2nd from Left), Sunil Gavaskar( Sitting 2nd from Right), Jayant Rane -Wicket Keeper Standing Ext-Left, Sopan Banerjee ( Standing 2nd from Right) .Photo Courtesy: Jayant Rane
Milind also played and captained Tata Sports Club and served as Sectretary of Tata Sports Club for two decades. He served as Selector and Administrator of MCA and also served as Chairman of Selectors of MCA. Milind was not keeping well recently. His close friend Sunil Gavaskar met him two days ago, in hospital , before he left for Champions trophy assignment as a commentator. Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar also paid his tributes to late Milind Sir, calling him a true Mumbai cricketer with immense contributions to the city’s cricket.
Magzmumbai offer heartfelt condolences to his family members and close friends.