Why Team India is wearing black armbands today in 1st Semifinal vs Australia?
The Indian cricket team donned black armbands during their Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against Australia in Dubai on Tuesday, but why Team India is wearing black armbands today?
Indian players were seen sporting black armbands as a mark of respect for Padmakar Shivalkar, a domestic cricket stalwart who passed away at the age of 84 in Mumbai.
Shivalkar was a pillar of Mumbai cricket and played a crucial role in Bombay’s dominance in the Ranji Trophy. His remarkable career spanned over two decades, during which he was instrumental in securing nine Ranji Trophy titles between 1965-66 and 1976-77. Despite never making an international appearance, his contributions to Indian cricket were widely acknowledged.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India expressed deep sorrow over his demise, recognizing his immense impact on Indian domestic cricket.
Shivalkar’s legacy is etched in history, with 589 wickets in 124 first-class matches at an exceptional average of 19.69. His ability to extract sharp turn and deceive batters with precision made him a force to reckon with.
One of his most unforgettable performances came in the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy final, where he single-handedly dismantled Tamil Nadu with figures of 8 for 16 and 5 for 18, leading Mumbai to another title. Unfortunately, his peak years coincided with the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi, which denied him an opportunity to don the India jersey.
However, his contributions did not go unrecognized. In 2017, he was honored with the prestigious Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to his invaluable service to Indian cricket.
As the Indian team paid their respects with black armbands, it was a poignant reminder of Shivalkar’s legacy—one that will forever remain a part of Indian cricket history.
Talking about the semifinal clash, Australia won the toss and opted to bat first in Dubai. The Aussie team selected their full-strength side to counter India’s four spin bowlers’ strategy that worked well in favour of men in blue in their last match against New Zealand.
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