Cricket fraternity mourns demise of Goel

India's cricket fraternity mourned the demise of legendary first-class spinner Rajinder Goel, calling him a "master of his craft" whose "bradmanesque" record made him a stalwart in domestic cricket.

Goel died on Sunday owing to age-related illnesses. He was 77 and is survived by his wife and son Nitin Goel, who has also played first-class cricket and is a domestic match-referee.

Paying a glowing tribute to Goel, iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar tweeted: "Saddened to hear about the passing away of Rajinder Goel ji! He was a stalwart of Indian Domestic Cricket picking up more than 600 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. May his soul Rest in Peace and my heartfelt condolences to his near and dear ones."

India head coach Ravi Shastri also saluted his craft in his message.

"RIP Rajinder Goel ji. Master of his craft. Killer line & length in our terrain. Humility personified. Condolences to the entire family," he wrote on his twitter page.

Goel, a left-arm spinner, had 750 first-class wickets from 157 games, representing Haryana and North Zone in domestic cricket. He played 26 seasons of first-class cricket from 1958-59 and 1984-85. Former India captain and current BCCI president Sourav Ganguly condoled his death, describing him a "giant" of domestic cricket, whose long career is a testimony of his craft.

"The Indian cricketing community has lost a giant of domestic cricket today. His staggering record tells you about his craft and the control he had over it," Ganguly said in a BCCI statement.

"To have a career that lasts more than 25 years and still be able to perform consistently speaks about his dedication and commitment towards the game. To be able to pick 750 wickets needs years and years of hard work and I salute his efforts. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family," he added.