The former Mumbai captain Sudhir Naik passed away after a brief illness at the age of 78. He was in the intensive care unit of a private hospital after he suffered a fall at his residence on March 24.
The former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan who took Naik under his wings in 1996, told Sportstar that he visited Naik in the hospital after he was hospitalised and he was responding to the treatment.
"He recognised me and tried talking to me. I had a bit of a conversation with him. Knowing the personality that I have seen over the years, I was hoping he would fight through this. But it wasn't to be.
"On Sunday night, he became critical, and we were told that the next 72 hours will be critical. While we were hoping for his recovery, all through this time, I have been recalling my innumerable conversations with him as soon as I moved to Mumbai."
In 1970-71, Naik rose to national prominence when he led a depleted Mumbai side to Ranji Trophy glory. They won the title without Sunil Gavaskar, Ajit Wadekar and Dilip Sardesai, who were all part of India's squad that was touring the Caribbean. Between 1974 and 1975, he played three Tests and two ODIs for India. Overall in his career, he played 85 first-class games and scored 4376 runs at an average of 35.29, hitting seven centuries including a double.
In 1977-78 after his retirement, Naik moved to cricket administration, coaching and, later, became the chief curator at the Wankhede Stadium. When the Wankhede Stadium hosted the 2011 World Cup final as well as Sachin Tendulkar's farewell Test in November 2013, he was the chief curator of the Mumbai Cricket Association.
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