Daljit Singh has been known as one of the finest and popular curators produced by India, especially at Mohali. Sometimes, the strips came out fine. On other occasions, they didn’t pan out to expectations but Daljit, 77, always did his best for a surface.

Yesterday, Daljit’s innings as a BCCI’s chief curator came to an end. His 22-year association with pitch-preparation and supervision was fruitful and his genial ways were appreciated by the cricketing fraternity. However, Daljit should not only be remembered for his work with grass and soil. He was also an efficient wicketkeeper-batsman, who served the Services, Northern Punjab, Delhi, Bihar and East Zone in first-class cricket.