Indian cricketer who played 7 Test matches and 13 One Day Internationals for India, known for his right-arm medium-pace bowling and lower-order batting.
Vasant Ranjane, a name synonymous with Indian cricket, was a slightly built, unlikely looking figure for an opening bowler who relied more on line and length than speed for his wickets. With an unorthodox style that included swinging both ways and cutting the ball off the seam, Ranjane left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
Born on July 22, 1937, in a poor family, Ranjane's early life was marked by hardship. His father, a factory worker, passed away when Ranjane was just 10 years old, and his mother worked as a maid in a hospital to support the family. Despite the challenges, Ranjane found solace in cricket, frequenting the grounds of the Shivaji Preparatory School in Poona, where he received coaching from Madhusudan Rege.
Ranjane's talent was soon recognized, and he was picked by the Vilas Club, paving the way for his entry into first-division and first-class cricket. His debut in 1956-57 was nothing short of spectacular, as he took 9 wickets for 35 in an innings and 13 for 71 in the match, including a hat-trick, against Saurashtra.
Ranjane made his Test debut in 1958 against the West Indies at Green Park, Kanpur, but it was a rocky start, with him being hit on the thigh by a full toss from Wes Hall while batting and unable to bowl in the second innings. However, he soon redeemed himself, taking 10 wickets in three Tests against England in 1961-62. He went on to play a total of seven Test matches between 1958 and 1964.
Despite his cricketing success, Ranjane's personal life was marked by struggles. He dropped out of school after the seventh standard and worked as a fitter in the Indian Railways to support his family of six children. His mother's sacrifices and his own hard work kept him going, and he continued to work till 1994.
Ranjane's contribution to Indian cricket cannot be overstated. His unorthodox style and ability to swing the ball both ways made him a force to be reckoned with. Though he may not have played international cricket for long, his impact on the game and his contemporaries was lasting. Vasant Ranjane remains an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, a testament to the power of hard work and determination.
Vasant Ranjane may no longer be with us, having passed away on December 22, 2011, but his legacy lives on, a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and perseverance.
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