Name Hindi: बापू नाडकर्णी / Gender Man
Bapu Nadkarni: An Indian Cricket Legend
Among many popular cricketers who have contributed their talents to the sport, there’s an Indian cricketing legend, Rameshchandra Gangaram ‘Bapu’ Nadkarni. Born on April 4th in 1933, Bapu Nadkarni graced the world of cricket with his skills and sportsmanship. This left-arm spin bowler was renowned for his impressive bowling economy rate, making him one of the most economical bowlers in first-class and Test cricket history.
Early Life and Entry into Cricket
Nadkarni was born in Nashik, Maharashtra, India. His fascination with cricket began during his childhood years after watching several local games. Deeply interested in improving his talent, he started playing for a local club as a young teenager. Attracting attention with his growing performance levels, he soon found himself making strides into professional cricket.
Cricket Career & Achievements
- Nadkarni made his debut in first-class cricket in November 1951 playing for Maharashtra against Saurashtra.
- In December 1955, he exhibited his prowess at the international level when he made his Test debut for India against New Zealand in Delhi.
- He earned fame for delivering exceptionally tight overs, highlighted by a noteworthy match played against England in Madras (now Chennai) in January 1964 where he bowled 21 consecutive maiden overs.
- Demonstrating versatility beyond just being a superb bowler, Nadkarni displayed excellent batting skills too — scoring an unbeaten 52 runs while facing adversity against Pakistan in Kanpur back in 1960.
Beyond Cricket
After retiring from professional cricket, Nadkarni served as an integral part of the selection panel for India’s national cricket team. He also extended his expertise as a commentator and analyst, often sharing insightful views on various aspects of the game.
Award and Honours
- Nadkarni was bestowed with the prestigious C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2012 to honor his significant contribution to Indian cricket both nationally and internationally.
Tributes & Legacy
Globally eulogized for his unique bowling style, Bapu Nadkarni passed away at the age of 86 in January 2020. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring bowlers around the world even today, encouraging them to embrace their personal style and dedication just like he did during his memorable career.
