“Was deeply impressed by his multifaceted persona,”: Modi tributes for Salim Durani

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences on the passing of 88-year-old former India cricketer Salim Durani on Sunday.

PM Modi shared a heartfelt message on Twitter, saying, ” Salim Durani Ji had a very old and strong association with Gujarat. He played for Saurashtra and Gujarat for a few years. He also made Gujarat his home. I have had the opportunity to interact with him and was deeply impressed by his multifaceted persona. He will surely be missed.”

“I had the opportunity to interact with the great Salim Durani Ji on various occasions. One such occasion was in January 2004 at a programme in Jamnagar, in which a statue of the great cricketer Vinoo Mankad Ji was inaugurated. Here are some memories from the programme,” PM Modi tweeted

Together with PM Modi, fellow political heavyweights Shashi Tharoor and JP Nadda expressed their condolences.

“Saddened by the news that cricket legend Salim Durani has passed away. Born in Kabul too early for the white-ball era in which he’d have thrived, the volatile genius was a crowd-pleaser & public favourite: ‘No Durani No Test’ posters went up when he was dropped against England. RIP,” said Shashi Tharoor in a tweet.

“Deeply saddened by the news of Salim Durani Ji’s demise. He was a true icon of Indian cricket known for his immense skill and played a vital role in some of our most historic victories. My thoughts & prayers are with his family and friends during this tough time. Om Shanti,” said JP Nadda in a tweet.

The cricketing community also offered heartfelt condolences to one of Indian cricket’s most towering and respected characters. Sachin Tendulkar, fellow batting legend VVS Laxman, former India women’s captain Mithali Raj, and BCCI secretary Jay Shah all expressed their condolences to Durani.

“Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Salim Durani ji. A really warm and loving person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace,” Sachin wrote in a tweet.

“India’s first Arjuna Award winning cricketer and a man who hit sixes on public demand, Salim Durani. Om Shanti. Heartfelt Condolences to his family, friends and loved ones,” said VVS Lakman in a tweet.

“Just heard the sad news of Salim Durani ji passing away. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,” said Mithali Raj in a tweet.

“Gutted to hear about the passing away of one of Team India legends Salim Durani. Today, we have lost one of Indian cricket’s crown jewels. Condolences to his family. RIP Salim Durani ji,” said Jay Shah in a tweet.

Durani’s career spanned more than a decade, and he not only delivered some stunning moments on the cricket pitch, but also on the big screen.