Hubballi (Karnataka): The Karnataka State Cricket Association on Tuesday named the pavilion block at its Rajnagar ground in Hubballi after former India and Karnataka spinner Sunil Joshi, also the bowling coach of the world cup winning U-19 team.
The Sunil Joshi Pavilion at the KSCA Stadium was inaugurated during the ongoing Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir. BCCI president Mithun Manhas inaugurated the pavilion in the presence of KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad and Union minister Pralhad Joshi.
The pavilion was named after the former leg-spinner to recognise his outstanding contribution to the state and Indian cricket.
“If I inspire one kid also in Hubballi to take up the sport, that’s when the name of the pavilion will have its true meaning,” Joshi told ThePrint, calling it an “emotional day”.
This honour comes just weeks after the Indian Under-19 team won the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe, under Joshi’s guidance, bringing home the sixth U19 World Cup title.
Honouring a Karnataka cricketing veteran 🫡
BCCI Hon. President Mr. @MithunManhas & KSCA President Mr. @venkateshprasad officially inaugurated the Sunil Joshi Pavilion at the KSCA Stadium in Hubli during the #RanjiTrophy Final! 🏟️@IDFCFIRSTBank | @kscaofficial1 |… pic.twitter.com/IcJazsgHjd
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 24, 2026
The naming ceremony took place on the occasion of the Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir at the KSCA stadium. The city and the ground holds special meaning for Joshi.
The former India cricket team chief selector, who was accompanied by his wife Ravneet Joshi, even teared up during the ceremony.
“This is the place where I started my journey, where I made my debut. It truly is a full circle moment. And I am truly honoured with this recognition,” said Joshi, who represented India in 15 Tests and 69 ODIs.
‘If I inspire even one kid in Hubballi to take up the sport, that’s when the name of the pavilion will have its true meaning,’ Sunil Joshi to ThePrint.
Joshi hails from Gadag. He used to travel 120km to Hubballi daily to practice. Once in the Indian team, while he often played second fiddle to legendary spinner Anil Kumble, Joshi had several stand-out moments in an era packed with spin talents.
One of his most iconic performances was when he produced a five-wicket haul for just 6 runs against South Africa at the Nairobi Gymkhana Club Ground in September 1999. His 10-over spell, including six maidens, in the LG Cup, dismantled the Proteas for 117.
This remains one of the most economical five-wicket hauls in the history of One Day Internationals.
Joshi also offered useful lower-order runs, including a Test innings of 92, showcasing his all-round ability on the field. In the same Test match, which was against Bangladesh, he picked up eight wickets. He was given Man of the Match for his all-round performance.
His domestic career was equally illustrious. He played 160 first-class matches, majority of it for Karnataka, and was a stalwart for the state team. During his stint, he took 615 wickets and scored 5,129 runs. His record includes a Ranji Trophy triumph as captain.
Overall, he won the Ranji Trophy three times, 1995-96, 1997-98 and 1998-99. After hanging up his boots in 2012, he transitioned into coaching and cricket development. He has served as head coach for teams like Hyderabad, Jammu & Kashmir and Assam.
“My career had many colours. But, education is the best part. I get to share my knowledge and expertise with so many people. It’s my learning process as well,” Joshi said, underlining that he was always inclined towards coaching.
His willingness to impart cricket education was beyond borders. In 2017, Joshi was appointed spin-bowling coach for the Bangladesh national men’s team. It was one of his first major international coaching assignments.
Later, he took consultant roles in Oman and USA’s national teams as well. Joshi then served as the chief selector for the senior Indian men’s team from March 2020 to early 2023 before taking on the role of a spin coach of U19 and India A team.
Currently, he is also the spin bowling coach at The BCCI Centre for Excellence in Bengaluru.
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
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