Boria Majumdar in Leeds
It was moments after the World Test Championship final had ended and Debasis Sen and I were doing a show from outside the Grace Gates of the Lord’s cricket ground. That’s when I heard someone call out my name. It was a tad surprising, for the gentleman was in the middle of the road, and waving at me with a smile.
It was Dilip Doshi. I responded with a warm ‘Dilipda’ and requested him to come and join our show. He did and for the next 30 minutes, we analysed the WTC final together. In fact, towards the end, we also analysed the India-England series and I asked Dilipda if he was giving India a chance.
“Play the ball and not the bowler,” said the 77-year-old who played 33 Tests and took 114 wickets. Dilipda went on to add: “This is sport and anything can happen. Did you not see what South Africa did to Australia. There is no reason why India can’t do the same to England.”
Thereafter, he went on to ask me about RevSportz and had some really warm words. “I see your work and I feel very pleased and happy for you. The way you have shaped RevSportz is commendable. As a fellow Bengali, it is a matter of great pride,” he said.
That’s when I asked him how long he was in London and he said: “August 5. I will watch the entire Test series and then go back to Kolkata. The Oval Test ends on August 5 and I will leave that night or the next day. If you are coming back for Lord’s, let us do something together”.
I jumped at the idea and we planned a meal together once I go back to London. The plan was to do some solid work during the third Test.
Today Dilipda is no more. The news of his demise is still a shock. All I can say is I will fondly remember the hour we spent together on June 14 and I will also remember his line, “Play the ball and not the bowler”.
Dilipda, you played it well all our life. And you will always stay a legend of the sport. Rest in peace.
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