Former Mumbai skipper and selector, Milind Rege dies at the age of 76

Former Mumbai skipper died of a heart attack on Wednesday, only days after turning 76. 

Rege claimed 126 wickets in 52 first-class appearances between 1966/67 and 1977/78. He also amassed 1532 runs at an average of 23.56. After concluding his career on the cricket field, Rege joined the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) in different committees, including the selector and the chief of selector post in separate stints. He was one of the Mumbai selectors when a budding Sachin Tendulakar was named in the Ranji Trophy squad in 1988. 

In 2006, he supported Mumbai’s use of a video analyst in domestic cricket, one of the first to use the innovative tool in the sport.  

“To play for Mumbai, you had to earn your cap and fight to retain it," Rege said in 2017 on the eve of Mumbai's 500th Ranji Trophy match. "Vijay Merchant, Madhav Mantri, Umrigar and Manohar Hardikar - these men sat on the selection panel that picked me. These were not mere selectors, these were giants of Mumbai cricket. They were all disciplinarians, and great captains of Mumbai. One failure and you were out, so you valued every innings. This ethos was followed at every level of the game, especially in the intensely competitive club cricket, one of the legacies of Mumbai cricket."

Both Mumbai and Vidharba in the ongoing Ranji Trophy semi final observed a minute’s silence before the commencent of the third day’s play in Nagpur.  Mumbai players, most of whom earned their first-class debuts under his selection, donned black arm bands on Wednesday. 

“Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Milind Rege sir," MCA president Ajinkya Naik said via a statement. "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. May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved one."

Rege was also a childhood friend of former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar, with both attending the same school and same college. The duo also played together at the Dadar Union Sporting Club. Rege had a heart attack even during his playing days at 26, but resumed playing the following season. He was an advisor at the MCA since 2020.