Former Indian cricketer Salim Durani passed away Sunday morning at his Jamnagar house due to age-related ailments. Durani was an icon of Indian cricket known for his immense skill and played a vital role in some of our most historic victories for India.

His death was confirmed by sources close to the family. He had been living with his younger brother, Jahangir Durani, in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Durani had undergone proximal femoral nail surgery after breaking his thigh bone in a fall in January.

“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,” Narendra Modi Tweeted.

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 2, 2023

“India’s first Arjuna Award-winning cricketer and a man who hit sixes on public demand, Salim Durani. Om Shanti. Heartfelt Condolences to his family , friends, and loved ones,” Laxman Tweeted.

India’s first Arjuna Award winning cricketer and a man who hit sixes on public demand, Salim Durani.

Om Shanti. Heartfelt Condolences to his family , friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/DwdKamlxjy

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) April 2, 2023

Easily one of the most colourful cricketers of India – Salim Durani.

Rest in Peace. ॐ शांति 🙏 pic.twitter.com/d5RUST5G9n

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 2, 2023

Salim Durani, a terrific all-rounder during his playing days was a slow left-arm orthodox bowler and a left-handed batsman famous for his six-hitting prowess.  Salim Durani was the highest wicket-taker in ‘s 2-0 triumph over England in the 1961/62 Test series with 23 scalps.

Durani scored 1202 runs for India which includes a century and seven fifties in the 50 innings he played for the country and picked up 75 wickets with a personal best of 6/73 in an inning. Durani was also The India’s first Arjuna Award winner in cricket.

Salim Durani Was Treat To Watch During His Playing Days

Salim Durani was a joy to watch when in full flow, Durani could take on any bowling attack on his day, and though he was marked as a bowler he first made his mark for the Indian team.

The 88-year-old also played a key role in India’s first Test win in the West Indies in 1971, the same game in that Sunil Gavaskar made his Test debut. Durani was known for his ability to lead India to victory even in a seemingly lost match.

The stylish left-handed cricketer has  8,545 runs at 33.37 in first-class cricket and hit 14 hundred. Durrani had tried himself in movies as he appeared in a film with Parveen Babi in the early 70s.