India’s oldest cricketer Shodhan loses battle with lung cancer

New Delhi : Former Test player Deepak Shodhan, who was the first Indian cricketer to smash century in his debut innings, has passed away at the age of 87 after a battle with lung cancer.

Shodhan, who died at his residence in Ahmadabad, had been diagnosed with cancer in February this year. He was India’s oldest Test cricketer at the time of his death.

The former left-handed batsman got his first India cap at the age of 25, when he walked in at number eight and struck a blistering 110-run knock against Pakistan at Eden Gardens in 1952. The match, however, ended in a draw.

Despite a bright start, Shodhan featured in just two more Tests, which were against West Indies in 1953.

Shodhan, however, had a long domestic career, playing for Gujarat for most of his Ranji Trophy career before switching to Baroda. (ANI)