Legendary player Sunil Gavaskar has paid tribute to his closest friend and former Mumbai captain Milind Rege who passed away on February 19, 2025, after succumbing to a heart attack. He had turned 76 recently on February 16, 2025.
He was admitted to the ICU department of Breach Candy Hospital. He passed away around 6 am on the morning of February 16, 2025.
Milind who was considered an all-rounder got his first heart attack at the mere age of 26.
After being fit as a fiddle, he returned to the cricket path and captained the Mumbai cricket team during the Ranji Trophy.
Talking about Milind’s accomplishments, he played 52 first class matches during 1966-67 and 1977-78 years.
During this time, Milind had taken 126 wickets and broken his right arm while bowling. Milind had made 1532 runs reportedly and had an average of 23.56.
During his cricket career, Milind was dedicated to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and contributed as a selector, chief of selector. He had donned varied hats in the game of cricket.
The BCCI mourns the passing of Milind Rege, former Mumbai captain and selector. A pillar of Mumbai cricket, he played a key role in its growth and legacy. His keen eye for talent and contributions as a commentator earned admiration across the cricketing fraternity.
The Board… pic.twitter.com/LQjU8wHmgs
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 19, 2025
Sunil Gavaskar said, “I knew it was coming. I met him in the hospital yesterday (February 18) before leaving for Dubai (for the Champions Trophy).”
“He kept on proffering his hand for me to shake it as if he knew we weren’t going to do it again. I told him I will see him on the 22nd morning and he gave me a wan smile.”
He was like my elder brother. We lived in buildings across from each other, grew up together and went to the same school and college.
Played tennis ball cricket in the compound. He played Ranji Trophy before me and like Shardul Thakur, Tanush Kotian, Shams Mulani have done for Mumbai this year, Milind always came to the rescue when the so-called top order failed.
He was good enough to play for India but there was (EAS) Prasanna and (S) Venkataraghavan around, so he couldn’t break in. Then at the age of 24, he had his first heart attack.”
“It speaks volumes of his love for Mumbai cricket and his determination that he made a comeback a few years later and even captained Mumbai.”
“Last week after he was first admitted to the hospital when I told him that Mumbai had taken a small lead against Haryana. You could see how he immediately perked up.
For him Mumbai cricket was his life. Yes he had strong opinions and so may have upset a few people but nobody could question his love and commitment to Mumbai cricket. We have known each other since we were a few months old.”
“That’s why I won’t be able to bear the sight of his still body and won’t return for the funeral. It may sound selfish on my part but I genuinely won’t be able to take the last rites of my elder brother,” concluded Sunil Gavaskar.
