Reliving Vijay Bhosale's career

Former cricketer Vijay Bhosale turned 75 today. In an interview with Clayton Murzello in the Midday, he talks about how close he came to national selection, the 'lucky kitbag' he gifted Sunil Gavaskar before Gavaskar's debut West Indies tour, and more.

The hurt of not being able to play for his country cannot be concealed. According to him, he came close to an India cap twice. “In 1964, I was staying as a paying guest near Harkisandas Hospital (near Charni Road, Mumbai). I received a phone call from my ‘godfather’ Vinoo Mankad, who said that I would be called to play the series against Mike Smith’s English team, so ‘be ready’. I waited for the call the whole of next day, but the only call I received was from Vinoobhai, who said, ‘sorry Vijay, I couldn’t help you, but a selector told me that you stood a good chance,’ ” said Bhosale.