Shivram joined his elder brother Palwankar Baloo in playing first-class cricket in 1905, soon becoming one of the most famous sportsmen of the time, breaking caste barriers to excel in what was considered a sport of the upper classes and the British.
[3] He became one of the few so-called lower caste persons ever chosen to play for the Hindus team in the Bombay Quadrangular competition, the most prominent and popular cricket contest in India at the time.
Mainly an off-break spin bowler, Shivram also developed as a valuable batsman, becoming an all rounder and was chosen along with Baloo to play for the All-India cricket team slated to tour England in 1911.
Critics attributed Deodhar's appointment to caste discrimination, and both Palwankar brothers, along with other rank-and-file cricketers withdrew from the team after publishing a letter making their protest public and criticising the selection committee for the "unsportsmanlike" decision.
[3] Supporters, rallied by the ongoing campaign against untouchability led by Mahatma Gandhi and other political leaders, raised money for the Palwankar brothers and petitioned for their inclusion in the team.