Name Hindi: हीरालाल गायकवाड / Gender Man
Hiralal Gaekwad: A Synonym for Dedication and Passion in Cricket
Hiralal Gaekwad, an eminent name engraved deeply into the history of Indian cricket, was born on 25th November 1923. This right-hand batsman and leg-break googly bowler from Baroda, India, had made considerable contributions to both domestic and international cricket. Let’s delve into the life and achievements of this extraordinary cricketer.
Early Life and Domestic Career
Gaekwad’s fascination with cricket took root during his school days. He polished his skills by playing in local clubs until he grabbed a spot in Baroda’s first-class team at a young age. Through his sheer dedication and hard work, Gaekwad soon became a crucial part of the team.
- In the 1944-45 Ranji Trophy season, he scored 101 runs against Maharashtra.
- The following year, he accumulated an impressive total of 772 runs which included four centuries.
- By the time he retired from domestic cricket in the late 1950s, Gaekwad accomplished more than 3500 first-class runs.
International Debut
England vs India Test match series (1952)
Basing on his successful performance in domestic games, Hiralal Gaekwad was included in India’s roster for its 1951-52 England tour. His test debut was at Headingley, Leeds, replacing Vinoo Mankad as a specialist spinner.
- On his debut match itself, Gaekwad displayed an impressive bowling spell where he bagged three wickets conceding only 55 runs rendering him applause and appreciation.
- He followed this up by scoring a significant 33 runs in the lower order of India’s innings.
Achievements and Legacy
Gaekwad not only shone as an individual player but also contributed significantly to team victories:
- The highlight of Gaekwad’s career was during the Ultimate Test Match against Pakistan in Delhi (Feb 1952) where he scored vital 60 runs with the bat and took two crucial wickets allowing India to register its inaugural test win.
- In his career span, Hiralal played seven tests for India, scoring 138 runs and taking twelve wickets.
Post Retirement Life
Even after retiring from professional cricket, Sportsman spirit never left Hiralal thanks to his engaging personality. He continued his association with cricket serving as an umpire in various domestic matches.
Hiralal Gaekwad passed away on 15th October 2003 leaving behind an enduring legacy. His journey is widely revered as it inspires many youngsters today aspiring to make their way up into professional sports.
