Mumbai cricket stalwart Milind Rege passes away

From Sachin Tendulkar to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Milind Rege was among the many first former cricketers to identify their expertise and promote them on the highest degree. File photograph
| Photograph Credit score: The Hindu

Former Mumbai captain Milind Rege – famend as Mumbai cricket’s encyclopedia – handed away on Wednesday (February 19, 2025) at a hospital attributable to a cardiac arrest. He was 76.

An off-spinning all-rounder who featured in 52 First Class matches within the golden age of Mumbai cricket, Rege was part of the 5 consecutive Ranji title-winning seasons for Mumbai. His taking part in profession was reduce quick attributable to cardiac points within the late 20s however he not solely made a comeback to the aggressive area but in addition loved a sterling profession off the sector.

Moreover heading the Tata Sports activities Membership and the communications wing at Tatas, Rege served Mumbai cricket in varied capacities. He took delight in unearthing expertise as a selector. From Sachin Tendulkar to Yashasvi Jaiswal, he was among the many first former cricketers to identify their expertise and promote them on the highest degree. For the final 4 years, he was roped in as an advisor by the Mumbai Cricket Affiliation.

Because of the duo rising up collectively in Mumbai, Rege could have been identified exterior Mumbai as Sunil Gavaskar’s finest pal. However for Mumbai cricketers and a plethora of different high cricketers who performed company cricket in Mumbai, Rege was a supply of recommendation and inspiration. His command over language, capacity to dissect the sport and knack of connecting with kids was appreciated by every one. It additionally got here to the fore throughout his a number of stints as tv commentator and knowledgeable.

Former India allrounder and coach Sandeep Patil paid his tribute to the departed soul. “My assist system of life has gone at the moment,” Patil instructed The Hindu from Kolkata. “at my guide launch (in November 2024) he stated ‘see you in Kolkata’. I used to be ready for him to go to me!

“He performed a really, crucial function in my life on and off the sector. He and his spouse Raj stood behind me in my making an attempt instances. Mumbai has misplaced its greatest supporter, his contribution in serving to and constructing careers of younger expertise will stay unmatched! He remained loyal to Dadar Union, CCI and MCA. Even in his late days he all the time needed to be a part of Mumbai Cricket as a protracted serving selector and Administrator! I’ll hold lacking him.”

Diana Edulji, former India girls’s captain who can be an MCA advisor, referred to Rege as her information. “Woke as much as the unhappy information of the passing away of my information and pal Milind Rege. We performed cricket in the identical period. His contribution to Mumbai cricket was par excellence. Collectively, we labored as advisors to MCA. His constructive concepts had been all the time within the curiosity of Mumbai cricket. We’ll miss him in future conferences,” Edujli stated.

Rege is survived by spouse Raj, sons Siddharth and Aditya together with their households. The final rites will probably be carried out in Mumbai on Thursday (February 20, 2025).