Famous Cricketers of India 15.3.1996

Cricket in India is not just a game it is almost a religion. The famous cricketers depicted on the stamps on this FDC are (lkeft to right):-

Col. C.K. Nayudu (1895 - 1967) was India's first captain in Text Cricket and the best all-rounder of the time. A right handed batsman, he was a hard-hitting player, driving on both sides of the wicket and was also a more than useful slow-medium change bowler, with a controlled spin. With a career from 1916 to 1964, he became the elder statesman of Indian Cricket, playing in a first class match in his sixty ninth year. He Played 207 matches and 7 tests with a run total of 11,852 (average 33.94) and his highest score was 200, 411 wickets, 171 catches and 1 stumping. he was the first Indian cricketer to be honoured with "Padma Bhushan" by the Government of India in 1955 in recognition to his contribution to the development of sports. The Board of Control for Cricket in in India has instituted "Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy" for cricketers under 22 years of age in 1974-75 as a tribute to him.

Vinoo Mankad (12 April 1917 – 21 August 1978), full name Mulvantrai Himmatlal Mankad, was best known for his world record opening partnership of 413 runs, with Pankaj Roy, in 1956, a record that stood for 52 years. An opening batsman and slow left arm orthodox bowler, he played in 44 Tests for India, and made 2109 runs at an average of 31.47 including five Test centuries with a top score of 231. He also took 162 wickets at an average of 32.32, including eight five-wicket hauls. He is one of the three cricketers to have batted in every position, from the first to the last, during his Test career.

Prof. D.B. Deodhar (1892 - 1993) was popularly known as the grand old man of Indian Cricket. he was the oldest first class cricketer at the time of his death and was the last of the cricketers who made their first class debut before the first World War, in the year 1911-12. He was a solid right-handed middle-order batsman. He was Vice President of the BCCI and was also a national selector. He was President of the Maharashtra Cricket Association since its inception. Deodhar Trophy, a limited over inter-zonal competition played in India since 1973, is named after him. He played 81 matches, scored 4522 runs (average 39.32) and a highest score of 246; 11 wickets; 70 catches.

Vijay Merchant (1911-1987) was an outstanding Test batsman. His comparatively small physique did not handicap him, for what he lacked in reach was compensated by perfect footwork and quick reflexes. Right-handed, his cutting, both square and late, was brilliant, and he hooked, drove (especially the fast bowlers) and played the ball off his legs with mastery. He was a careful builder of an inning and there was something softly feline about him at the wicket. He played 150 matches and 10 Tests with 13, 470 runs (average 71.64) and a highest score of 359 not out; 65 wickets; 115 catches.