Former Indian batsman Milkha Singh passes away

Former India cricketer A G Milkha Singh passed away on Friday following a cardiac arrest at a hospital here, family sources said. He was 75.

He is survived by wife, a son and daughter. Milkha Singh played four Test matches in the early 60s.

His elder brother Kripal Singh, also played for the country, in 14 Tests. They played together in one Test against England in 1961-’62.

A flamboyant left-hand batsman and a fine fielder, Milkha Singh made his Ranji Trophy debut at 17 and played his first Test just after his 18th birthday.

He had a fruitful career for Madras (now Tamil Nadu) in the Ranji Trophy. He scored over



4,000 runs in first-class cricket inclusive of eight centuries.

Milkha Singh was employed with the State Bank of India.

His nephew Arjan Kripal Singh played Ranji Trophy for Tamil Nadu and memorably scored a triple century in a game against Goa in 1987. He was involved in a massive partnership in that match with W V Raman, who too scored a triple hundred as the team piled up 912.

Veteran coach M K Iqbal, a close associate, said Milkha Singh was a stylish batsman, who served the state team for a long time and guided several young cricketers.

The final rites would be held on Saturday, his family members said.