Veteran journalist and commentator Kishore Bhimani passes away at 81

Kishore Bhimani, a renowned journalist and cricket commentator, passed away at the age of 81 in Kolkata on Thursday. He was reportedly admitted in a hospital after he contracted coronavirus last month.

He was a prominent commentator who was on air for moments like Sunil Gavaskar becoming the first player to score 10,000 runs in the test cricket in 1987. He was also the one who called the 1986 tied test match between Australia and India. Altogether, he had covered 157 tests and 203 ODIs.

Bhimani had worked for a Kolkata daily 'The Statesman'. He had authored a book 'The Accidental Godman' which was published in 2012. He was also bestowed with a lifetime achivement award in the 2012 H&G Clinic Journalism awards.

Following the sports writer's demise, the cricket fraternity took to the social media to express their condolences.

Bishan Singh Bedi, Indian cricketer wrote on his Twitter account,'RIP Kishore Bhimani..he was one of the good Old fashioned Crkt writer who took Crkt writings like a player who takes to playing...Condolences to his Spouse Rita & Son Gautam.. GodBless All Always.. Fondly'.

Harsha Bhogle remembered Bhimani as the man who enjoyed life to the fullest. He wrote,' So many memories of Kishore Bhimani but the common threat running throught is of a great joie-de-vivre. Fine writer with west beyind his sport. One of the great figures of Kolkata, not just its sport. Been a priviledge to know the family and be friends with Rita and Gautam.'

He also added that although he was in grief he knew that Bhimani lived a good life and conveyed his condolences to his family.

Sachin Tendulkar followed suit and expressed his grief and condolences to the family.

Rajdeep Sardesai, an Indian news anchor, multimedia journalist and author, called Bhimani the encyclopaedia on the sport in his condolences message.

Kishore Bhimani is survived by his wife Rita and son Gautam Bhimani.