Sunil Joshi Pavilion unveiled at Hubbali stadium

Former India left-arm spinner and Karnataka stalwart Sunil Joshi was felicitated at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium here on Tuesday with the Pavilion Block named after him.

Joshi, who hails from the nearby Gadag district, represented India in 15 Tests and 69 ODIs, and ended with a career tally of 615 First Class wickets.

The honour was bestowed by BCCI president Mithun Manhas, in the presence of Karnataka State Cricket Association president and former teammate Venkatesh Prasad, other office-bearers of the Association, and coaching staff of both the Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir teams playing the Ranji Trophy final.

“Gadag gave me birth, Hubballi gave me cricket and character,” a teary-eyed Joshi said, with spouse Ravneet by his side. “It gives me immense pleasure, especially since it comes at a place where I started my journey.

“I come from the mofussil, and if my name on the stand can inspire even one young cricketer in the coming days or years, then it will have true meaning,” the 55-year-old added.

Thanking Prasad, Joshi said: “My Ranji Trophy debut was here [in Hubballi, Nehru Stadium] against Hyderabad in 1992. We were eight [nine] down when Prasad joined me. And I went on to remain unbeaten on 83. I carried valuable lessons from that match.”