Name Hindi: गुलाबराय रामचंद / Gender Coach
Gulabrai Ramchand
Gulabrai “Ram” Ramchand was a renowned athlete who became an iconic figure in the field of cricket. Celebrated for his incredible skills, excellent sportsmanship, and towering presence in the world of cricket, he made an unforgettable impact on the sport.
Early life and Career Introduction
Ramchand was born on July 26, 1927, in Karachi (which would later become part of Pakistan after the partition of India). His early introduction to cricket happened when he moved to Bombay at a young age. He started playing the game at school level which cultivated his love and passion for cricket.
he quickly rose through the ranks in local leagues due to his exceptional talent with both bat and ball.
Career Highlights
In a career that spanned nearly two decades from late 1940s – early 1960s, Ramchand graced domestic and international venues with awe-inspiring performances.
- He made his first-class debut for Bombay against Western India during the 1945–46 Ranji Trophy season.
- In November 1952, Ram not only made his Test debut but also captained India’s team at the tender age of 25. It was against Pakistan, making him one of the youngest players to captain India.
- During India’s tour to England in 1959-60 where he served as captain, despite the overall poor performance of other members, Ram proved resilient managing to score well and taking several important wickets throughout various matches.
- Throughout his illustrious career, Ramchand played almost 33 test matches scoring over thousand runs and taking dozens of wickets showcasing his all-round abilities.
Post Retirement and Legacy
After retiring from cricket in the early 1960s, Ramchand continued his affiliation with cricket by becoming a selector for the Indian team. He also had a notable stint as the president of Mumbai’s Cricket Club Association.
Ramchand passed away on 8 September, 2003 leaving behind an incredible legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. His passion and dedication towards cricket truly reflected in his achievements throughout his career. Today, he is celebrated as one of India’s most significant cricketing heroes whose indelible contribution played a pivotal role in shaping the future course of cricket within the country.
