Rajinder Goel, the highest wicket-taker in the history of the Ranji Trophy with 637 strikes, has passed away at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness. In all, the Haryana left-arm spinner took 750 wickets in 157 first-class matches from 1958-59 to 1984-85. He bagged an incredible 53 five-fors and 17 ten-wicket match hauls.
In the mid-1960s, when Bishan Singh Bedi was making his mark, the question that was asked was, “is he as good as Goel?” Ironically, one reason Goel never played for India was because Bedi had cemented his spot in the India team. The closest Goel came to play for India was in the unofficial Test against Ceylon in 1964-65.
Very sad to know that Rajinder Goel Saab is no more. One of the stalwarts of Indian cricket with 750 first class wickets. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. pic.twitter.com/YANaldX5oQ
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 21, 2020
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