The Indian cricket fraternity led by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly mourned the death of Rajinder Goel. The former Indian skipper said that the cricketer’s staggering record in domestic cricket tells everything about his craft. He took his last breathe at the age of 77 due to age-related health issues on Sunday.
In a press release from the BCCI, Ganguly said, “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. 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.”
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Former and current India stars like Sachin Tendulkar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virender Sehwag too paid glowing tribute to Rajinder Goel.
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
Ashwin said that the domestic cricket stalwart had left a legacy that will last forever.
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Ashwin had tweeted: “The highest wicket-taker in Ranji Trophy cricket Rajinder Goel passes away, all I heard growing up was “what a fine left-arm spinner Rajinder Goel was” I have not seen you bowl sir, but you have left a legacy that will last forever. RIP Rajinder Goel. 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 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
Current Team India coach Ravi Shastri tweeted: “RIP #RajinderGoel ji. Master of his craft. Killer line & length in our terrain. Humility personified. Condolences to the entire family.”
RIP #RajinderGoel ji. Master of his craft. Killer line & length in our terrain. Humility personified. Condolences to the entire family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/C3YJNPob1e
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) June 21, 2020
While Suresh Raina said that Rajinder Goel’s contribution to domestic cricket was unmatchable, Virender Sehwag called him “a very simple, humble man”.
Extremely sad to hear about the demise of Mr Rajinder Goel. His contribution to domestic cricket was unmatchable. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to his family & friends.🙏🙏 https://t.co/LgF1tod5Gj
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) June 21, 2020
A very simple, humble man. Highest wicket taker in his last first class season. 750 First- class wickets but never played for India. Was India’s loss. Rajinder Goel ji ko vinamra Shraddhanjali. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/qTYvalr1nU
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) 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
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
The left-arm spinner Goel played 157 first-class games, most of them for Haryana, and finished with 750 wickets. He holds the record for most wickets taken in Ranji Trophy as he scalped 637, 107 more than S Venkataraghavan who is second on the list. Goel had made his debut in the 1957-58 season and went on to play domestic cricket until the age of 44.
Despite the illustrious record in the domestic cricket, Goel never played for India in any format of the game. In 2017, the BCCI honored Goel with the CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.
