Former Ranji player dies aged 76

Vasant Bahutule, the former Maharashtra allrounder, has died aged 76.

He played two Ranji matches in 1952-53, opening the innings. In the first, against Gujarat, he made 20 and 37. He was retained for the semi-final a fortnight later but scored 7 and 0 in a seven-wicket defeat by Holkar.

Although he kept wicket in both matches, he was actually better known for his legspin bowling. He captained Rajasthan CC and also played for PJ Hindu Gymkhana in local cricket, while representing Reserve Bank in the Times Shield.

His son Sairaj, also a legspinner, played for India and also captained Mahrashtra and Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.