The BCCI mourned the death of former cricketer from Maharashtra. Patil, a medium-pacer, had made an instant impact on his first-class debut for Maharashtra in the 1952-53 season. Playing against Mumbai, he bowled unchanged to skittle the domestic champions for 112 after Maharashtra were bowled out for a mere 167. In the 2nd innings, he took three wickets for 68 as Maharashtra secured a 19-run win.
He earned the prized India Test cap (No 79) when he made his debut at the Brabourne Stadium against the visiting New Zealand team in 1955 under the captaincy of Polly Umrigar. Bowling with the new ball, he picked up a wicket in each innings in India's big win by an innings and 27 runs. Patil had impressed the selectors earlier when playing for West Zone against the Kiwis, he returned match figures of 7/74.
Though he never played for India again, Patil continued to play for Maharashtra and also played in the Lancashire League, where he featured in 52 matches, taking 111 wickets in two seasons (1959 and 1961).
Overall, he picked up 83 first-class wickets at 30.66 with 3 five-wicket hauls, he also scored 866 runs at 27.06 with three half-centuries.(UNI)
