NEW DELHI:
Rajinder Goel, a name perpetually referred to as being one of the finest left-arm spinners to have not played for India, passed away on Sunday. The 77-year-old from Haryana was ailing for some time and breathed his last at his residence.
Many in India’s cricketing circles have often described him as someone who was more than just a domestic stalwart.
A career spanning nearly 26 years from 1958, Goel picked up 750 first-class wickets. His career coincided with the emergence of Bishan Singh Bedi. That he could not break into the Indian team was popularly attributed to the fact that Bedi was at the top of his game at the international level.
The
Indian cricket board (BCCI) honoured him with the lifetime achievement award in 2017.
However, Goel carried on playing for Haryana and was a pillar in the evolution of the game in Haryana. He laid the foundation as the state started churning out India players in the coming years. Never one to lose his composure, Goel would be there for anyone who wanted to talk cricket in his later years.
One would struggle to recall if he was ever bitter about not playing for India. He would never mind to concede that Bedi was better than him even as the cricket fraternity would be hung up on his mastery over his craft.
Former BCCI and president Ranbir Singh Mahendra recalled the work Goel had done for Haryana cricket even after his retirement.
“His contribution to the game post his retirement was massive and he would eagerly watch even an inter-district game in search for talent and remained the pivot for selection of Haryana cricket teams till he regretfully laid down his office on account of the Lodha recommendations. He was a thorough gentleman who remained active till the very end,” he said.
“It is a huge loss for the game of cricket and a personal loss for me. He was one of the best, if not the best left arm spinner that this country has seen and his record of 750 first-class wickets speaks for his tremendous ability. He represented Haryana, Delhi and Punjab in the Ranji Trophy,” he added.
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