Mah Governor, Thackeray condole demise of Dilip Sardesai

Mumbai, July 3 (UNI) Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna today expressed grief over the demise of veteran cricketer Dilip Sardesai, who passed away here last night.

In a message to late cricketers's wife Nandini Sardesai and son Rajdeep Sardesai, a noted journalist, the Governor said ''Dilip Sardesai was a classy player of cricket. He was a fine test cricketer, inspiring team member and a true gentleman. After the memorable 1971 tour of the West Indies, he had become a hero for the entire generation of cricket lovers. People still remember him for his doughty and highly entertaining performances in those matches.

Even after his retirement from first class cricket, Sardesai remained attached to the game and guided the team and individual members whenever they needed his counselling.'' ''On behalf of the people of Maharashtra and on my own behalf, I pay my respectful homage to Mr Sardesai and convey my heartfelt condolences to the Sardesai family,'' an official release said here today.

Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, in his message, said in the passing away of Mr Sardesai, he had lost a very dear friend.

''I have seen him play and how he blossomed into a fine batsman.

Mr Sardesai had a style of his own. He was a very studious cricketer and his knowledge could have been utilised for the benefit of Indian cricket. But, unfortunately, that did not happen. We kept in touch even after he had retired from cricket and I had joined politics,'' said Mr Thackeray, an avid cricket buff.

UNI