Very sad news for Indian cricket and Mumbai cricket. Former Indian cricketer Abdul Ismail, at 79, passed away due to cardiac arrest today (May 30). During the early 70s, Ismail made his mark in Indian cricket with his swing bowling; he can swing the ball in both directions.

His bowling style was often compared with Colin Croft, a former West Indian international cricketer. The right-arm fast-medium from Bombay launched his career with Mumbai.

In his Ranji Trophy debut season. Ismail's bowling was like tough riddles for opponent team batters. In his first Ranji Trophy season (1971-72), the pacer wrapped his figures with 56 wickets at an average of 13.98. His debut match was picturesque for cricket lovers in those days.

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Against Gujarat, Ismail had figures of 3/15 and 6/16. With this kind of bowling, Mumbai easily registered a massive win against Gujarat within two days. Against Baroda that season, Ismail bagged another 9-wicket figure in his bag. 1975–76 Ranji Trophy was another season when he showed his full potential on the pitch.

A pure match winner for Mumbai 

He finished the season as the leading wicket-taker with 38 wickets at an average of 16. In the summit clash against Bihar, Ismail claimed 10 wickets and guided his team to a comfortable 10-wicket victory in the final. 

"I found his action very awkward, completely open-chested, something like Colin Croft. He had the biggest outswing I have ever seen. He started from around the leg stump, and the swing would finish at 1st slip," said former Mumbai captain Milind Rege.