Ahmedabad(PTI): Well-known architect and Padma Bhushan recipient Balkrishna Doshi, who worked with legends like Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn, died at 95 at his home here on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those who paid rich tributes to Doshi.

"We are deeply saddened to inform you about the passing away of Balkrishna Doshi (August 26, 1927-January 24, 2023), loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather," his family said in a statement.

Condolences poured in from various quarters over the demise of Doshi, widely regarded as the foremost architect of modern India.

"Dr BV Doshi Ji was a brilliant architect and a remarkable institution builder. The coming generations will get glimpses of his greatness by admiring his rich work across India. His passing away is saddening. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," tweeted PM Modi.

Born in 1927 in Pune, Doshi worked with architecture legends like Le Corbusier. He also worked with Louis Kahn as an associate to build the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and many other acclaimed projects.

CM Patel called Doshi the Pole Star in the world of architecture.

"Condolences on the passing away of Pritzker Prize winner 'Padma Bhushan' Balakrishna Doshiji, a world-renowned architect who is like the pole star in the world of architecture. May God rest his soul and give strength to his family, countless fans and disciples to bear this shock," he said in a tweet in Gujarati.

His family members said no one loved life more than Doshi. " Anand karo', celebrate life, as he would always say. He had so many people that he loved dearly and who loved him back," they said.

Some of Doshi's projects include the Institute of Indology, CEPT University and Kanoria Centre for Arts in Ahmedabad, the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore, and Aranya Low Cost Housing, a township for low- to middle-income families, in Indore which won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1995.

Doshi founded his own practice, Vastushilpa, in Ahmedabad in 1956. Several members of his family are architects.

In 2018, he received the Pritzker Architecture Prize, considered one of the most prestigious prizes in the field of architecture, becoming the first Indian architect to receive the honour.

He was conferred upon the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honour in India, in 2020.

In 2022, Doshi received the Royal Gold Medal' from the Royal Institute of British Architects, which described his work as combining "pioneering modernism with vernacular, informed by a deep appreciation of the traditions of India's architecture, climate, local culture and craft". 

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Dubai, Feb 21 (PTI): Legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi firmly believes India is clearly the stronger side given that it has more match-winners compared to it's arch-rivals, and the best way to negate that advantage in the upcoming Champions Trophy marquee clash would be to put in a collective effort.

Pakistan are in a must-win situation when it takes on India here on Sunday after suffering a massive 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener in Karachi. India, on the other hand, will come into the high-voltage contest on the back of a sure-footed performance against Bangladesh here on Thursday.

 

"If we talk about match-winners, I'd say that India has more match-winners compared to Pakistan. A match-winner is someone who knows how to win the game single-handedly. Right now, we don't have such players in Pakistan," former Pakistan skipper Afridi said on JioHotstar's 'Greatest Rivalry Returns' episode.

He said that India's middle and lower-order had played vital roles in the team's wins, while the same could not be said about Pakistan.

"India's strength lies in its middle and lower order, which has been winning them matches. For a long time, we have been giving opportunities to players, but no one has stepped up consistently.

"Some have performed in a few games, but we don't have players who have sustained their performance for a year, two years, or across 50-60 matches. That's where we are a little weaker compared to India, which is very strong in this area." Afridi said every player in Pakistan side will have to give his best in order to overcome the arch-rivals.

"The key to winning against India is collective performance -- whether it's the batsmen, bowlers, or spinners -- everyone's contribution is crucial." However, India's World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh felt Pakistan will have an edge as they have played a lot of their cricket in Dubai.

Pakistan were forced to play their home games in the UAE following the militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in 2009.

"I actually think Pakistan has an advantage because they have a base in Dubai. They have played a lot of cricket there and understand the conditions well. On slower wickets, Indian and Pakistani players are among the best, who have always played spin well," said Yuvraj.

While agreeing with Afridi that India had more match-winners, Yuvraj added that adapting to the situation and not letting pressure overwhelm the cricketers would play a bigger role in the clash.

"You talk about match-winners - yes, I agree with Shahid Afridi that we have more match-winners. But I believe that even if Pakistan has fewer match-winners, one player can still take the game away.

"The India-Pakistan clash is not about match-winners alone; it's about playing in the moment, adapting to the situation, and not letting expectations overwhelm you. The team that does this better will win the game for their country," said Yuvraj.

He also said that skipper Rohit Sharma's form wasn't a big concern as he is a proven match-winner along with Virat Kohli.

"Rohit Sharma, whether in form or out of form, it doesn't matter to me. I would always back my match-winners. In ODI cricket, especially in white-ball formats, he has been India's biggest match-winner as a batsman, alongside Virat Kohli.

"If Rohit is struggling but still gets runs, that's dangerous for the opposition. If he's in form, he will score a century in 60 balls. That's his quality - once he gets going, he's not just hitting fours; he's clearing the ropes with sixes.

"He is also one of the best players of the short ball. Even if someone bowls at 145-150 kmph, Rohit has the ability to hook it effortlessly. His strike rate is always between 120-140, and on his day, he can single-handedly win you the game," added Yuvraj.