The death of former Mumbai medium-pacer Rajesh Verma, 40, has left the city’s cricketing fraternity in shock. Verma, who claimed 23 first-class wickets in seven games for Mumbai from 2002 to 2008, passed away following a cardiac arrest at his Thane residence on Sunday morning.

Jaffer shocked

Former Mumbai skipper Wasim Jaffer, who played alongside Verma in the Ranji Trophy and against him in corporate and club matches, rated him as one of the best swing bowlers. “This [Verma’s death] is very shocking. Rajesh came from a humble background, but was a talented cricketer. He could have easily been a 300-plus Ranji Trophy wicket-taking bowler given the way he swung the ball and attacked the stumps.