A talented all-rounder who played for India and Afghanistan, known for his unorthodox batting style and ability to take wickets with his slow left-arm spin.
Salim Durani, the renowned Afghan-born Indian cricketer, is best known for his exceptional all-round skills, earning him a place in 29 Test matches from 1960 to 1973. His impressive slow left-arm orthodox bowling and powerful left-handed batting, particularly his six-hitting prowess, made him a household name in Indian cricket.
Born on December 11, 1934, in a Pashtun family in Afghanistan, Durani's love for cricket was instilled in him from a young age. His father, Abdul Aziz Durani, was a professional cricketer who played a significant role in shaping his son's cricketing career. After Impressing Jam Sahib Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji with his wicketkeeping and batting performances, Abdul Aziz was offered a job as a sub-inspector, which led the Durani family to settle in Jamnagar, India.
Durani's cricketing career was marked by several milestones, including his heroics in India's series victory against England in 1961-62. He took 8 and 10 wickets in India's wins at Kolkata and Chennai, respectively. A decade later, he played a crucial role in India's maiden victory against the West Indies at Port of Spain, claiming the wickets of Clive Lloyd and Gary Sobers.
In his 50 Test innings, Durani scored a century against the West Indies in 1962, with a notable score of 104. He also played for Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Saurashtra in first-class cricket, amassing 14 hundreds and 8,545 runs at an average of 33.37.
Durani's contributions to Indian cricket were recognized with several awards and honors. He was the first cricketer to win the prestigious Arjuna Award, and in 2011, he received the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Indian cricket board on a former player.
Salim Durani's cricketing legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics. He was a fan favorite, and his charisma on and off the field inspired a generation of cricketers. His unique rapport with the spectators was evident when he was dropped from the team for the Kanpur Test in 1973, prompting the fans to protest with placards and slogans, such as "No Durani, no test."
Durani's remarkable journey from Afghanistan to India, and his subsequent rise to cricketing stardom, serves as a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for the sport.
Born in 1917
Indian spin bowler who ran out a batsman while he was still at the crease, leading to the term "Mankaded" being coined, and took 162 wickets in 44 Tests.
Born in 1926
Indian cricket legend and captain who led the team to several victories, including a historic win against England in 1952.
Born in 1915
Indian cricket's first captain, a pioneering all-rounder who led the team to its first Test victory in 1952, and is still revered for his exceptional batting and bowling skills.
Born in 1925
Indian fast bowler who played 31 Tests, taking 75 wickets, and was known for his pace and ability to swing the ball both ways. He was also a handy lower-order batsman.
77 Years Old
A stylish and technically sound batsman, known for his elegant strokeplay and impressive record in Test cricket. He is a legendary figure in Indian cricket history.
77 Years Old
A legendary Indian cricketer and sportscaster, renowned for his exceptional batting skills and charismatic commentary, revolutionizing the sport with his on-field heroics and off-field insights.
67 Years Old
Legendary all-rounder who led India to its first Cricket World Cup victory in 1983, revolutionizing the sport in the country.
64 Years Old
Former Indian cricket team captain and coach, known for his charismatic commentary and leadership that led the team to several victories.
