Former India cricketer Sudhir Naik passes away at City hospital

MUMBAI: Former Mumbai great and India cricketer Sudhir Naik passed away at a City hospital here on Wednesday evening due to complications arising from a fall he suffered a few days back at his residence. He was 78.

Naik was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Hinduja Hospital here after suffering a fall at his home on March 24. He has been in the hospital since then.

A courageous right-hand opening batsman, Sudhir Naik played three Tests and two One-Day Internationals for India in 1974. But he served Mumbai cricket for a longer period, leading a depleted side to an unexpected Ranji Trophy title in 1970-71.

After retirement, Naik became quite a successful coach at his own National Cricket Club, shaping the careers of players like Zaheer Khan, Wasim Jaffer, Rajesh Pawar and Paras Mhambrey. For many years, Naik was the chief curator of the Wankhede Stadium and also had stints as a member of the MCA managing committee.

"The Mumbai Cricket Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Sudhir Naik. His legacy will forever be etched in the history of Mumbai cricket," the MCA said in a tweet on Wednesday. IANS

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