Former India cricketer Salim Durani passed away in Jamnagar today. He was 88. Durrani, an aggressive left-handed batter and a left-arm spinner, played 29 Tests, scoring 1,202 runs and taking 75 wickets. He was the India’s first Arjuna Award-winning cricketer. Durani not only gave beautiful moments on the cricket field but also on the big screen.

He made his debut in the Bollywood industry in ‘Ek Masoom’ which was released in 1969. He was also seen on the big screen alongside Parveen Babi in Charitra movie in 1973.

On the playing field, he is best remembered for the magical spell that helped India to their first Test win in the West Indies in 1971, which is also remembered for Sunil Gavaskar‘s Test debut. He was also known for his penchant of hitting sixes at will and even on demand. Once, when he was dropped for a test series, fans chanted slogans like “No Durrani, no Test.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of former India allrounder.

Condoling his death, 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.”

The Prime Minister added that “Salim Durani Ji had a very old and strong association with Gujarat. He played for Saurashtra and Gujarat for a few years. He also made Gujarat his home. I have had the opportunity to interact with him and was deeply impressed by his multifaceted persona. He will surely be missed”.

Salim Durani was also the first and only Afghanistan-born cricketer to play Test cricket for India. His Abdul Azeez Durani was also a cricketer and had migrated from Kabul to Saurashtra.