Dilip Doshi, the former Indian left-arm spinner, who passed away in London on Monday at the age of 77, carved a unique niche for himself in Indian cricket. While he arrived on the international scene later than most, Doshi's impact was immediate and lasting, ensuring that India's rich spin legacy, established by the legendary quartet of Bishan Singh Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, Srinivas Venkataraghavan, and Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, continued to flourish.

Doshi's debut came in 1979 against Australia in Chennai, where he immediately announced himself by taking six wickets for 103 runs in his first innings. He followed this up with two more wickets in the second innings, demonstrating the consistency and skill that would define his career. Despite making his Test debut at nearly 32 years old, Doshi went on to play 33 Test matches for India, securing 114 wickets at an impressive average of 30.71. His economy rate of 2.25 was a testament to his control and accuracy, making him a difficult proposition for batsmen around the world. He also played 15 One Day Internationals, picking up 22 wickets.

The Indian spin quartet of the 1960s and 70s – Bedi, Prasanna, Venkataraghavan and Chandrasekhar – were a formidable force. They played a combined 231 Tests, taking 853 wickets and securing numerous victories for India, including series wins in the West Indies and England. Doshi, arriving after their reign, faced the daunting task of filling their shoes. He did so admirably, carrying forward the legacy of spin bowling with his own distinctive style and skill.

Many talented spinners were waiting for their opportunity during the era of the famous quartet. Doshi's patience and perseverance eventually paid off, and he grabbed his chance when it came. He complemented his skills with a long stint in English county cricket, playing for Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire.

Doshi's contributions extended beyond statistics. He was known for his astute understanding of the game and his ability to outthink batsmen. Even Sir Garfield Sobers acknowledged Doshi's "immeasurable knowledge" of the game. His finest hour perhaps came at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 1981, where he took five wickets in India's Test win while bowling with a fractured toe.

Following his retirement from cricket, Doshi transitioned into a successful businessman in London, but he remained connected to the sport. Sachin Tendulkar fondly recalled their first meeting in the UK in 1990. Ravi Shastri described Doshi as "a gentleman to the core and a fine, fine bowler." The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also paid tribute to Doshi, acknowledging his significant contribution to Indian cricket.

Dilip Doshi's journey was a testament to his resilience, skill, and passion for the game. He proved that it is never too late to make an impact, and his contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered fondly by fans and players alike. He kept India's spin legacy alive and made the legendary quartet proud.