By Jagmohan Singh Barhok

Noted Indian cricketer Salim Durani , known for hitting a six on demand, died of cancer yesterday. Durani debuted in 1960 & surprised many in the 1960-61 England Test Series taking 8 wickets at Calcutta & 10 at Chennai. Tall & slim Durani hit up a ton against the deadly bowling of West Indian pace battery when the Indians visited West Indies in early 1960s. In the same series Nari Contractor had suffered a skull injury. I remained glued to the radio during the series under reference then a 7th class student at West Patel Nagar, New Delhi.

Durani Played 29 test Matches averaging 25 with a century and 7 half centuries to his credit. He took a total haul of 74 wickets. He was one of the earliest all-rounders after pace bowler Ramakant Desai. Durani played from Rajasthan & scored more than 8000 runs in Ranji Trophy. I met the cricketer at Green Park Modi Stadium Kanpur in 1971. The stadium was in the premises of DAV college. He was a player most people loved.

Born 11 December 1934 at Kabul in Afghanistan , Durani also appeared in film “Charitra” starring Parveen Babi & Manmohan Krishan in 1973 directed by Babu Ram Ishara. He debuted with ‘Ek Masoom’ (1969) featuring Tanuja, Prem Chopra Surendra & Jagdeep. Was the First to win Arjuna Award.

Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and near & dear ones.