The KSCA Stadium in Hubli entered the annals of cricket history Tuesday with the launch of the Sunil Joshi Pavilion. Karnataka State Cricket Association’s nod celebrates the former India spinner’s remarkable tenure at state and international levels.
Set against the backdrop of the Ranji Trophy final pitting Karnataka against Jammu & Kashmir, BCCI’s Mithun Manhas and KSCA’s Venkatesh Prasad unveiled the stand. The eight-time champs’ home ground now bears the mark of a true servant of the game.
With wife Ravneet by his side, Joshi’s eyes welled up amid applause. Karnataka leader and Union Minister Prahlad Joshi joined the dignitaries.
To the press, Joshi reflected, ‘Never did I envision my name on such a pavilion. Gratitude to president Venkatesh Prasad and Sintoosh Menon—this validates my lifelong passion and effort.’
Joshi’s Test record: 15 caps, 41 wickets, 352 runs (one half-century). ODIs: 69 matches, 69 wickets, 584 runs. First-class: 615 wickets in 160 games (5,129 runs). List A: 192 wickets in 163 (1,729 runs).
He chaired selections briefly and served till 2023, aiding the 2020/21 Australia triumph. IPL spin coaching for Punjab Kings followed until 2025.
At BCCI’s Bengaluru excellence hub, Joshi coaches spin, masterminding U-19 World Cup success this month. The pavilion cements his legacy, a beacon for aspiring spinners.