Former leg-spinner Noshir Tantra passes away at 84

This picture has been used for representational purpose

Noshir Tantra, the former State Bank of India leg-spinner, passed away at the age of 84 on Monday. Tantra played in the Moin-ud-Dowla Gold Cup in Hyderabad when the prestigious event was considered a first-class tournament.

Tantra played alongside fellow Parsi stalwarts for Parsi Cyclists club including former India captain Nari Contractor in the 1950s and 60s.

According to Vilas Godbole in his book on Mumbai cricket, Tantra was most unfortunate to miss out on a Ranji Trophy berth for Mumbai. "I firmly believe that in those days, senior cricketers had formed a strategy to prevent youngsters from coming into the team," wrote Godbole.