Mumbai cricket stalwart Milind Rege passes away

From Sachin Tendulkar to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Milind Rege was among the first former cricketers to spot their talent and promote them at the highest level. File photo
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Former Mumbai captain Milind Rege – renowned as Mumbai cricket’s encyclopedia – passed away on Wednesday (February 19, 2025) at a hospital due to a cardiac arrest. He was 76.

An off-spinning all-rounder who featured in 52 First Class matches in the golden age of Mumbai cricket, Rege was a part of the five consecutive Ranji title-winning seasons for Mumbai. His playing career was cut short due to cardiac issues in the late 20s but he not only made a comeback to the competitive arena but also enjoyed a sterling career off the field.

Besides heading the Tata Sports Club and the communications wing at Tatas, Rege served Mumbai cricket in various capacities. He took pride in unearthing talent as a selector. From Sachin Tendulkar to Yashasvi Jaiswal, he was among the first former cricketers to spot their talent and promote them at the highest level. For the last four years, he was roped in as an advisor by the Mumbai Cricket Association.

Thanks to the duo growing up together in Mumbai, Rege may have been known outside Mumbai as Sunil Gavaskar’s best friend. But for Mumbai cricketers and a plethora of other top cricketers who played corporate cricket in Mumbai, Rege was a source of advice and inspiration. His command over language, ability to dissect the game and knack of connecting with youngsters was appreciated by one and all. It also came to the fore during his multiple stints as television commentator and expert.

Former India allrounder and coach Sandeep Patil paid his tribute to the departed soul. “My support system of life has gone today,” Patil told The Hindu from Kolkata. “at my book release (in November 2024) he said ‘see you in Kolkata’. I was waiting for him to visit me!

“He played a very, very important role in my life on and off the field. He and his wife Raj stood behind me in my trying times. Mumbai has lost its biggest supporter, his contribution in helping and building careers of young talent will remain unmatched! He remained loyal to Dadar Union, CCI and MCA. Even in his late days he always wanted to be part of Mumbai Cricket as a long serving selector and Administrator! I will keep missing him.”

Diana Edulji, former India women’s captain who is also an MCA advisor, referred to Rege as her guide. “Woke up to the sad news of the passing away of my guide and friend Milind Rege. We played cricket in the same era. His contribution to Mumbai cricket was par excellence. Together, we worked as advisors to MCA. His constructive ideas were always in the interest of Mumbai cricket. We will miss him in future meetings,” Edujli said.

Rege is survived by wife Raj, sons Siddharth and Aditya along with their families. The last rites will be performed in Mumbai on Thursday (February 20, 2025).