On Sunday, Indian cricket lost one of its finest cricketers from the by-gone era, Rajinder Goel, who passed away aged 77, due to age-related health issues.
One of the best cricketers produced by Haryana, sadly could not display his potential at the highest level due to the famous Indian spin-quartet of Bishan Singh Bedi, BS Chandrashekhar, Erapalli Prasanna and Srinivas Venkataraghavan.
The quartet’s presence in the Indian lineup forced Goel to feature only in their shadows and never got the opportunity to play for India. Goel holds the record for taking the most number of wickets in Ranji Trophy, with 637 scalps to his name.
As soon as the news of the sad demise of the former spinner broke, stars such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan, and many others took to Twitter, to pay their tribute.
“Saddened to hear about the passing away of Rajinder Goel ji! He was a stalwart of Indian Domestic Cricket picking up more than 600 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. May his soul Rest in Peace and my heartfelt condolences to his near and dear ones,” Sachin tweeted.
Saddened to hear about the passing away of Rajinder Goel ji! He was a stalwart of Indian Domestic Cricket picking up more than 600 wickets in the Ranji Trophy.
May his soul Rest in Peace and my heartfelt condolences to his near and dear ones. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/hqDoSsoL5y— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 22, 2020
“The Indian cricketing community has lost a giant of domestic cricket today. His staggering record tells you about his craft and the control he had over it,” Ganguly said in his condolence statement.
Goel went on to represent Punjab and Delhi in first-class cricket and went on to pick over 750 wickets in his career. BCCI felicitated Goel with Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
“To have a career that lasts more than 25 years and still be able to perform consistently speaks about his dedication and commitment towards the game. To be able to pick 750 wickets needs years and years of hard work and I salute his efforts. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family,” the former Indian captain added.
The highest wicket taker in Ranji trophy cricket #RajinderGoel passes away, all I heard growing up was “what a fine left arm spinner Rajinder Goel was” I haven’t seen you bowl sir, but you have left a legacy that will last forever. #RipRajindergoel
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 22, 2020
Deeply saddened by the passing away of Shri Rajinder Goel, the highest wicket-taker in the history of Ranji Trophy. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/6wIOfolnJc
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) June 21, 2020
Rest in peace Rajinder Goel Sir. My thoughts and prayers with the family. God bless your soul 🙏 pic.twitter.com/qH7ZCIFsIC
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 21, 2020
