In the following years, Vithal rose in the ranks of Indian cricketers as a stylish and skilled batsman, even as his elder brother Baloo enjoyed legendary status as a successful spin bowler.
Despite the controversy over Baloo being passed over for the captaincy of the Hindu team, which was attributed by many to politics and caste discrimination, Vithal's career continued to progress.
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.
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.
"'Vithal': the moment one heard the name ... spectators would visualise all the grace and charm of Indian batsmanship ... With supple wrists, keen vision, perfect judgement of flight and agile footwork, Vithal had mastered the art of [batting].
On his death Merchant wrote to the Palwankar's son; "Very few of his generation , with the handicap that he suffered from (so called "low-caste"), would have risen to such heights but for great determination and outstanding talent.