Vaman Jani, 84, was one of Salim Durani’s oldest friends–since 1956–even before the talismanic all-rounder made his 1959-60 India debut. “I watched his first Test at the Brabourne Stadium against Australia,” said Jani, who revealed that Durani was a regular visitor to his home, where he spoke about the game and even taught the students of his wife Pragna, who was the principal of a school.

One could sense a layer of regret in the Janis’ voices when they spoke about how Durani wanted them to come over after he returned from hospital recently. “My husband has a hearing problem and he couldn’t walk steadily. That’s the only reason we couldn’t make it there. And now, after eight to 10 days we get a phone call about his death,” said Pragna.