Cricket fans in Hubli were treated to an emotional highlight on Tuesday when the Sunil Joshi Pavilion was officially opened at KSCA Stadium. The Karnataka State Cricket Association’s gesture pays homage to the legendary left-arm spinner’s pivotal role in Indian cricket.
Coinciding with the Ranji Trophy summit clash between Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir, the event saw BCCI President Mithun Manhas and KSCA’s Venkatesh Prasad lead the inauguration. It was a moment of pride for the eight-time Ranji champions.
Sunil Joshi, accompanied by wife Ravneet, appeared overwhelmed. The presence of Union Minister Prahlad Joshi elevated the ceremony’s stature.
Overcome with emotion, Joshi shared with journalists, ‘This pavilion named after me was beyond my wildest thoughts. I owe it all to KSCA’s Venkatesh Prasad and Sintoosh Menon. Years of dedication have culminated in this recognition.’
From 1996 to 2001, Joshi donned India’s colors in 15 Tests (41 wickets, 352 runs with a fifty) and 69 ODIs (69 wickets, 584 runs). His first-class ledger boasts 160 matches, 615 wickets, and 5,129 runs; List A: 163 games, 192 wickets, 1,729 runs.
As chief selector until early 2023, he was part of the panel that oversaw India’s 2-1 Test victory Down Under in 2020/21. His IPL stint with Punjab Kings as spin coach ran from 2023-2025.
Now spearheading spin coaching at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, Joshi’s guidance propelled the U-19 boys to World Cup glory this month. This pavilion ensures his spin wizardry echoes through Karnataka cricket for years.