EXPLAINED: Why Indian Gamers Are Sporting Black Armbands Throughout Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Closing In opposition to Australia
The Indian workforce gamers have been seen sporting black armbands through the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal towards Australia in Dubai on Tuesday. The Indian cricketers wore black armbands within the reminiscence and honour of home cricket legend Padmakar Shivalkar, who handed away on the age of 84 in Mumbai on Monday attributable to age-related sickness.
Notably, Shivalkar was one of many best spinners who didn’t get to play for India. A dominant drive within the Ranji Trophy, Shivalkar performed 124 first-class matches, claiming a formidable 589 wickets at an impressive common of 19.69. His potential to deceive batters along with his flight, accuracy and switch made him one of many best spinners in Indian home cricket.
Shivalkar delivered some of the memorable performances in Ranji Trophy historical past, taking 8 for 16 and 5 for 18 within the 1972–73 closing, main Mumbai (then Bombay) to a powerful victory over Tamil Nadu.
Regardless of by no means representing India in worldwide cricket as his period coincided with that of fellow left-arm spinner and legend Bishan Singh Bedi, Shivalkar’s immense contributions to Indian cricket have been formally acknowledged when he was honoured by the BCCI with the distinguished Col. C. Ok. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
BCCI Mourns Demise Of Padmar Shivalkar
The Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Padmar Shivalkar.
“The Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) deeply mourns the unlucky demise of Shri Padmakar Shivalkar, who handed away on March 3, 2025. The legendary left-arm spinner was a stalwart of Indian home cricket, famend for his unparalleled talent and dedication to the sport,” the BCCI stated in an announcement.
In the meantime, the BCCI president Roger Binny stated that Shivalkar’s distinctive profession and selfless contribution to Mumbai and Indian cricket will at all times be remembered.
“Indian cricket has misplaced a real legend as we speak. Padmakar Shivalkar’s mastery over left-arm spin and his deep understanding of the sport made him a revered determine in home cricket. His distinctive profession and selfless contribution to Mumbai and Indian Cricket will at all times be remembered. My heartfelt condolences exit to his household and family members throughout this tough time,” stated Binny.
However, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia known as Shivalkar, an inspiration to generations of cricketers.
“Shivalkar Sir was an inspiration to generations of cricketers. His consistency, talent, and longevity within the sport have been really outstanding. Whereas he might not have performed for India, his affect on Indian cricket, particularly in Mumbai, is simple,” stated Saikia.
“His achievements converse volumes about his distinctive talents. Indian cricket has misplaced certainly one of its most dignified servants. My ideas and prayers are along with his household and well-wishers,” he added.
India vs Australia Taking part in XI
Australia captain Steve Smith gained the toss and opted to bat towards India within the first semifinal of the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Tuesday.
Australia made two adjustments from their earlier match taking part in XI, bringing in Cooper Connolly for injured Matthews Brief and Tanveer Sangha for Spencer Johnson. However, India fielded the identical taking part in XI of their earlier match.
Taking part in XIs:
Australia: Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Steven Smith(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha
India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
