IND vs ENG: On June 24, 2025, during the fifth and final day of the first Test match between India and England at Headingley, Leeds, players from both teams were seen wearing black armbands. This poignant gesture, accompanied by a minute’s silence before play began, was a tribute to former Indian left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi, who passed away on June 23, 2025, at the age of 77 due to heart-related complications in London. The cricketing world united to honor Doshi’s remarkable contributions to Indian cricket, both on and off the field, making the gesture a fitting acknowledgment of his legacy during a high-stakes Test match. This article explores the reasons behind the black armbands, Doshi’s illustrious career, and the emotional context of the tribute amidst the intense India-England clash.
The Reason Behind the Black Armbands
The black armbands worn by India and England players on Day 5 were a mark of respect for Dilip Doshi, as confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a social media post: “Both teams are wearing black armbands today in memory of former Indian cricketer Dilip Doshi, who passed away on Monday. The teams also observed a minute’s silence before the start of Day 5.” The England Cricket Board (ECB) echoed this sentiment, supporting the gesture to honor a cricketer whose influence transcended national boundaries.
Doshi’s sudden passing, just a day before Day 5, deeply affected the cricketing fraternity. The BCCI’s announcement highlighted the collective mourning, noting that Doshi had recently attended the BCCI Awards and the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord’s, underscoring his continued engagement with the sport. The minute’s silence and black armbands served as a somber yet powerful tribute, pausing the competitive intensity of the Test match to reflect on a life dedicated to cricket.
Dilip Doshi: A Cricketing Legend
Dilip Doshi, born in 1947, was a late bloomer in international cricket, making his Test debut at 32 in 1979 against Australia in Chennai. Despite his late start, Doshi’s classical left-arm orthodox spin left an indelible mark. Over 33 Test matches from 1979 to 1983, he claimed 114 wickets at an average of 30.71, including six five-wicket hauls, with his best figures of 6/102. His debut performance of 6/103 and 2/64 against Australia showcased his immediate impact, cementing his place in India’s Test side. Doshi also played 15 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), taking 22 wickets at an average of 23.81.
Doshi’s domestic career was equally impressive, with 898 wickets in 238 first-class matches at an average of 26.58, including 43 five-wicket hauls. He represented Saurashtra, Bengal, Warwickshire, and Nottinghamshire, often in the shadow of legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi, yet carved a niche with his guile and consistency. Beyond statistics, Doshi was admired for his artistry and resolve, described by Sportskeeda as “a true artist of spin bowling, a gentleman both on and off the field, and a dedicated servant of Indian cricket.”
Context of the Tribute in the Test Match
The black armbands on Day 5 were not the first such gesture during the Headingley Test. On Day 1, both teams wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence to honor the 274 victims of the Ahmedabad air disaster on June 12, 2025, where an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 181 Indian nationals and 53 British citizens among others. On Day 3, players paid tribute to former England fast bowler David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, the first British-born Black cricketer to represent England, who passed away at 61 after battling motor neurone disease.
Wearing black armbands is a time-honored tradition in cricket to express respect and solidarity, often for deceased players, officials, or victims of tragedies. The gesture, combined with moments of silence or applause, allows the sport to pause and honor significant losses. In this Test, the armbands symbolized cricket’s role as a unifying force, transcending rivalries to acknowledge shared human experiences.
The BCCI and ECB’s coordinated efforts ensured the tributes were executed with dignity. For Doshi, the gesture was particularly poignant given his international career and residence in London, bridging the two cricketing nations. Indian vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who earlier spoke of bringing joy to a grieving nation after the Ahmedabad disaster, embodied the team’s commitment to honoring Doshi through their performance, despite the emotional toll of multiple tributes.
The cricketing community’s response to Doshi’s passing was heartfelt, with tributes pouring in on social media. Fans on X expressed admiration for his craft, with one user noting, “Dilip Doshi’s spin was poetry in motion, a true legend gone too soon.” Another highlighted his mentorship, crediting him for inspiring young spinners. The BCCI Women’s team also honored Doshi during their warm-up match against ECB Select XI in Beckenham, wearing black armbands and observing a minute’s silence, reflecting his widespread influence.
The Headingley Test’s multiple tributes highlight a somber period for cricket. The Ahmedabad air disaster tribute on Day 1 was especially significant, given the loss of 181 Indian and 53 British lives, making it a shared moment of grief for both teams. Lawrence’s tribute on Day 3 celebrated his trailblazing role as England’s first British-born Black cricketer and his courage in raising awareness about motor neurone disease, earning him an MBE in 2025.
While the tribute to Doshi set a reflective tone, the match itself was a thrilling contest. India, led by centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant, set England a target of 371. By Day 4’s end, England were 21/0, needing 350 more runs. Jasprit Bumrah and India’s bowlers faced a formidable challenge against England’s aggressive batting, with weather concerns adding uncertainty. The tribute to Doshi, a spinner known for his resilience, mirrored India’s determination to clinch victory on a challenging final day.
Looking Forward
The black armbands worn by India and England players on Day 5 of the 2025 IND vs ENG 1st Test at Headingley were a heartfelt tribute to Dilip Doshi, a former Indian spinner whose 114 Test wickets and 898 first-class scalps defined a remarkable career. His passing on June 23, 2025, at 77, prompted a minute’s silence and armbands, reflecting cricket’s unity in mourning. Amidst a Test match marked by tributes to the Ahmedabad air disaster victims and David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, Doshi’s honor added emotional depth to a fiercely competitive game. As cricket continues to bridge nations and honor its legends, Doshi’s legacy endures, celebrated by fans and players alike.
