Former Indian first-class cricketer, Russi Cooper (Rustom Sorabji Cooper), passed away at the age of 100, at his residence in Kemp’s Corner, South Bombay, on the morning of 31st July, 2023. He had celebrated his 100th birthday on 22nd December, last year, becoming the longest-living, first-class player in the world.

A right-handed batter, Russi Cooper played in a total of 22 First-Class matches in his cricketing career. He made his first-class cricket debut in the 1941-42 Bombay Pentangular Tournament, playing for Parsis and went on to represent Bombay in the Ranji Trophy (1943-44 and 1944-45) and the Middlesex team in County cricket (1949 – 1951). In February 1944, Cooper earned a place in the Rest of India team and scored his maiden first-class century while batting at number eight. He had an impressive season, finishing with 383 runs at an average of 76.60. The following season, he improved further, scoring 551 runs at an average of 91.83, including two centuries, one of them in the Ranji Trophy final, which contributed to Bombay winning the title.

He studied at Mumbai’s St. Xavier’s High School and Elphinstone College before going on to pursue higher education at the London School of Economics, to become a Barrister at Lincoln’s Inn. He returned to India in 1954, but couldn’t play competitive cricket due to a serious knee injury. He pursued a successful career as a maritime lawyer until his retirement but remained active in local tournaments. He also served as a Trustee of the Bombay Port Trust for several years.

In an interview with Parsi Times, when asked if his era of playing cricket was very challenging, Cooper humbly replied that his era was indeed a very enjoyable one where players were friends. “In fact, there was no cut-throat competition, we all used to stay together… united as one team and we truly enjoyed each other’s successes and played to win.” He also stated that his all-time favourite partner was Vijay Merchant and he enjoyed batting with him on field.

During his playing days, this swashbuckling batsman was greatly influenced by Vijay Merchant and Hazare’s approach to their game.  He was a wizard with the bat, choosing to play his shots along the ground than opting for the huge, big hits outside the park. He would regularly meet up with his group of yesteryears cricketers, including Vijay Merchant, Anandji Dossa, Nari Contractor, Bapu Nadkarni, Farokkh Barucha, Rusi Modi, Madhav Apte, Aravind Apte, Vasant Raiji, and Madan Raiji, at the Cricket Club of India.

He remained a respected and revered personality in the cricketing world. His journey as a cricketer, representing esteemed teams like Bombay, Parsees, and Middlesex, showcased his unwavering passion and exceptional talent for the sport. The entire cricketing community mourns the loss of this exceptional player and extends heartfelt condolences to his family during this time of grief. Russi Cooper’s name will forever be etched in cricketing history, and he will be remembered as a true legend for his unparalleled passion for this game.

Leaving behind a cherished legacy, Cooper’s remarkable contributions to Indian cricket, spanning from his participation in the pre-Independence Pentangulars to his time in the Ranji Trophy, will forever be remembered. Besides his cricketing achievements, he was also renowned for his legal expertise.

Survived by his daughter Dinaz and son-in-law Hoshang Zaveri, his family mourns the loss of an exceptional individual who left an indelible mark both, on and off the cricket field. May his soul rest in eternal peace!