|| CF Correspondent ||

Rajinder Goel, the stalwart of India domestic cricket, had died at the age of 77 after battling a prolonged illness.

 In a career spanning 27 years, the former left-arm spinner    featured  in 157 First-Class and eight List-A matches, and grabbed 750 First-Class wickets and remains Ranji Trophy's highest wicket-taker with 637 scalps

Legendary Sachin Tendulkar and former India captain and current BCCI president Sourav Ganguly led the way as cricket fraternity of India also mourned the death of Rajinder Goel, terming him a “giant of domestic cricket”.

“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,” Sachin wrote on Twitter.

Ganguly was joined by secretary Jay Shah and treasurer Arun Dhumal, both of whom condoled the death of former left-arm spinner who played for Patiala, Southern Punjab, Delhi and famously Haryana.

“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 his condolence 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,” the former India captain said