Former India stumper Tamhane passes away

Former India stumper and national selector Naren Tamhane, who had been suffering from cancer for some time, passed away in Mumbai Tuesday morning, BCCI sources said.

Tamhane, 71, represented India in 21 Tests from 1954 to 1961 and took 35 catches besides effecting 16 stumpings.

He also scored 225 runs at an average of 10.23, with an unbeaten 54 on his maiden tour of Pakistan being the highest.

Playing for Mumbai from 1953 to 1963, he took 175 catches and had 78 stumpings in first-class cricket. He also scored 1459 runs from 93 matches at an average of 18.23, with 109 not out his highest.

Born in Mumbai on August 4, 1931, Tamhane was in the Indian team which toured Pakistan in 1954-55, Sri Lanka in 1956-57 and England in 1959-60.

He played his last Test in the home series against Pakistan in 1960-61.

He also served as the chairman of the selection committee in 1991-92 and was a selector from 1980 to 1989. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah, in a condolence message from Rajkot, said in Tamhane's death India has lost a great cricketer, good administrator and, above all, a thorough gentleman.

"I am deeply shocked to hear the sad news of the passing away of former India wicketkeeper Naren Tamhane," he said, adding, "Indian cricket has lost a valuable contributor, who served in all aspects as a Test player, an administrator and selector."

Mail Cricket Editor