A Legendary Career Cut Short
Milind Rege, a former Mumbai captain and a revered figure in Indian cricket, passed away on Wednesday, just days after celebrating his 76th birthday. His sudden death due to a heart attack sent shockwaves through the cricket community, leaving many heartbroken and nostalgic for a bygone era of the sport. Rege’s career, spanning from 1966-67 to 1977-78, was marked by his skillful off-break bowling and a solid batting average. In 52 first-class matches, he took 126 wickets and scored 1532 runs, contributing significantly to Mumbai’s dominance in domestic cricket.
A Pillar of Mumbai Cricket
Rege’s association with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) extended far beyond his playing years. He served in various capacities, including selector and chief of selectors, shaping the careers of numerous players. One of his most notable contributions was his role in the selection of a young Sachin Tendulkar, who was added to the Ranji Trophy squad in 1988. Rege’s insight and experience played a crucial role in Tendulkar’s early development, setting the stage for the legend’s illustrious career.
Champions of the Game
Rege often spoke about the rigorous standards and discipline required to represent Mumbai. In an interview with ESPNcricinfo in 2017, he recounted the selection panel that picked him, which included giants of Mumbai cricket like Vijay Merchant, Madhav Mantri, Polly Umrigar, and Manohar Hardikar. "These were not mere selectors; these were giants of Mumbai cricket," Rege remembered. "They were disciplinarians and great captains. One failure and you were out, so you valued every innings." This ethos of excellence and competitiveness was deeply ingrained in the Mumbai cricket system, influencing every level of the game, from club cricket to the Ranji Trophy.
A Forward-Thinking Mind
Rege’s contributions extended to modernizing cricket in Mumbai. In 2006, he backed the use of a video analyst in domestic cricket, a pioneering move that underscored his forward-thinking approach. "To play for Mumbai, you had to earn your cap and fight to retain it," he had said. "Technology can help us analyze performances and make informed decisions." His support for innovative tools and methods helped Mumbai stay at the forefront of the sport, blending tradition with modern techniques.
A Lasting Legacy
Rege’s passing was mourned by the cricket community, with tributes pouring in from all quarters. Before the start of the third day’s play in the Ranji Trophy semi-final between Mumbai and Vidarbha in Nagpur, both teams observed a minute’s silence in his memory. The Mumbai players, many of whom earned their first-class debuts when he was selection chair, wore black arm bands as a mark of respect. MCA president Ajinkya Naik expressed his condolences, stating, "A stalwart of Mumbai cricket, his contributions as a player, selector, and mentor were invaluable. His guidance shaped generations of cricketers, and his legacy will forever be cherished."
A Personal Touch
Rege’s impact on cricket was not just professional; it was deeply personal. He was Sunil Gavaskar’s childhood friend, and both attended the same school and college. They played together at Dadar Union Sporting Club, forming a bond that lasted a lifetime. Rege’s resilience was evident in his own battle with a heart attack at the age of 26, which he overcame to return to the sport the following season. In recent years, he continued to serve as an advisor at MCA, ensuring that his vast experience and wisdom were passed on to the next generation of cricketers. Milind Rege may be gone, but his legacy lives on, a testament to his enduring influence on the game.
