Former Test cricketer Rajinder Pal passes away at 80

Former Delhi cricketer Rajinder Pal, who had represented as India in one International Test match, passed away at his Dehradun residence on Wednesday, confirms family sources.

"My elder brother Rajinder Pal passed away yesterday at his Dehradun residence. He was 80 years old and is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter’’, his younger brother Ravinder Pal, who is also a former first-class cricketer was quoted as saying.

The right-arm medium pacer played his only Test match against England (then known as MCC) during the 1963-64 series at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

In the match, he bowled 13 economical overs (0/19 in 11 overs & 0/3 in 2 overs) but returned wicket-less, which forced the selectors to replace him with a much quicker Ramakant Desai for the next Test match.

Incidentally, along with Rajinder Pal, the other debutant was leg spin wizard Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, who went onto have a distinguished international career.      

However, it was domestic cricket where Rajinder Pal was a force to reckon with, scalping 337 wickets from 98 first class games with 23 five wicket hauls. 

He served Delhi for a decade in Ranji Trophy, followed by stints for Southern Punjab (Punjab had two teams in Ranji then) and Haryana. 

After his retirement, he was involved in coaching junior cricketers and settled in Dehradun.        

A few months back, he came to Delhi to attend a felicitation function of former state captains organised by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).         

At the event, he shared with anecdotes of his playing days to everyone and his relationship with Tiger Pataudi.        

The hurt was palpable in his voice as he felt that Indian cricket establishment didn't give him his due.

(With inputs from agencies)