Veteran Indian test cricketer Rusi Framroze Surti died in a local hospital in Mumbai on Sunday following a brief illness.

Former Test cricketer Nari Contractor said that Surti, who moved to Australia in the early 70s, was holidaying in India when he suffered a stroke a few days ago. He was admitted to Jaslok hospital where he breathed his last at 5 am on Sunday.

"The stroke affected his brain and he died today. His two sons are here," PTI quoted Nari Contractor as saying.

Speaking to The Hindu, Surti's nephew Keki Surti said, "He came to Mumbai on November 12 last year and was hale and hearty. About a week ago, his hands suddenly became numb. The neurologists put him under observation and the initial diagnosis did not reveal anything to cause concern. Even the MRI tests were negative."

"But last Thursday (Jan.10) he had breakfast and collapsed while talking to the doctors. He had suffered a severe stoke and he died today morning. Both Percy and Kaizad flew to Mumbai after he suffered the stroke,'' he added.

The 76-year-old former cricketer played both for Gujarat (1956-57 to 1967-68) and Rajasthan (1959-60 and 1960-71) in the Ranji Trophy.

Surti played for India in 26 Tests in which he scored 1263 runs including nine 50s and held 26 catches. The left hand batter and bowler also took 42 wickets.

In total, Surti played 160 first class matches scoring 8066 runs with six centuries and 54 fifties and 246 not out as the highest. He also held 122 catches and took 284 wickets.

The Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Niranjan Shah in his tribute to the ex-cricketer said, "He was a brilliant all-rounder. He was an asset to any side he played for. He set a new height in the fielding department in Indian Cricket."