Name Hindi: अब्बास अली बेग / Gender Coach
Profile: Abbas Ali Baig
Abbas Ali Baig, widely known for his exceptional talent in cricket, is a former Indian cricketer who proved his mettle on both national and international platforms. Born in Hyderabad on the 19th of March, 1939, he left an indelible mark on the history of Indian cricket with his aggressive batting and agile fielding.
Career Highlights
- Made his test debut against England at Manchester in July 1959.
- Baig was the first Indian to score a century (112 runs) on foreign soil in Test Cricket during his debut match. Also, he had been the youngest Indian cricketer to reach this milestone until recently.
- In total, he played ten matches for India and managed to accumulate more than 400 runs with an average that remained above thirty-five.
- Beyond just playing, Baig also served as selector of the National Team for several years.
An Elite Educationist
Apart from Sporting accomplishments, another admirable aspect about Baig’s life is his emphasis on education. He studied at St. George’s Grammar School in Hyderabad before ultimately earning a Bachelor’s degree from Oxford University where he excelled not only academically but also sportively. The combination of sporting skills and intellectual prowess sets him apart making an inspiration for many aspiring cricketers worldwide.
Cricket beyond Borders
During his time at Oxford University, Baig successfully captained their cricket team showcasing leadership skills alongside his impromptu gaming abilities which further escalated his popularity. And besides playing cricket, he also actively continued to contribute towards the sport even after retiring. One of such contributions includes serving on the committee responsible for overturning the ban on South African cricketers allowing them to once again participate in international cricket post-apartheid.
Rewards and Recognitions
Even though Baig’s international career was not prolonged or as extensive as some of his contemporaries, his contributions didn’t go unnoticed. In a tribute of respect to this Indian gladiator, one of the top stands at Ferroza Kotla Ground is named after Abbas Ali Baig. Regardless of statistical numbers, his dedication and love for this sport remain deeply embedded in every fan’s heart and literary enthusiast’s ink.
In conclusion
Baig’s contribution to Indian cricket is significant and inspirational. His commitment and skills were influential at a pivotal time in India’s cricket history when it was still developing itself against seasoned oppositions like England & West Indies. Despite being out of limelight for quite some time now, Abbas Ali Baig continues to be an important name when talking about thoughtful players with great technique and flamboyant personalities both on-and-off field from India.
