Name Hindi: माधव आप्टे / Gender Man
Madhav Apte – A Respected Figure in the Cricket World
Born on October 5, 1932, in Bombay (currently Mumbai), Madhav Apte grew into an accomplished Indian cricketer. He was a right-hand opening batsman who represented India at the test level between 1952 and 1953 and played first-class cricket for more than two decades from 1951 through to 1972.
Remarkable Stint as a Test Cricketer
In his seven-match Test career with the Indian team, Apte scored 542 runs at an average of 49.27 which is commendable considering how challenging it can be being an opener against tough attacks. In fact, he remains one of the few international cricketers who ended their test careers with an average higher than most players’. His test cricket journey involved a tour to West Indies wherein he displayed excellent performance marked by three half-centuries and a century score. However, despite his credible performances, after this series ended in April 1953, he never got picked for any further Test matches—a decision many regarded as inexplicable.
Distinguished First-Class Career
Apart from tests, Apte had a substantial stint in first-class cricket. His strong determination and skill helped him amass over eleven thousand runs. His long stretch at this level lasted for about twenty years during which he represented teams like Bombay (now Mumbai) and Bengal in Ranji Trophy—India’s premier domestic tournament and Sussex in England.
- Total Matches: At first class level, he played a total of 67 matches yielding impressive results.
- Total Runs Scored: He compiled a total of 11,591 runs.
- Average: His impressive average stood at an outstanding 49.28.
- Centuries and Half-centuries: His extraordinary performances included 30 centuries and 22 half-centuries.
Late Years and Legacy
In his latter years, Apte served as the President of Cricket Club of India from 1989 to 1992, further consolidating his authority in the cricketing world. He went on to write his autobiography “As Luck Would Have It” where he captured key moments from his playing days.
At the age of 86, Madhav Apte passed away on September 23rd, 2019 but has left behind a legacy that continues to inspire many Indian cricketers today. Despite being selected for just seven Tests over five months early in his career, Madhav Apte’s significant contributions to Indian cricket—especially through his towering first-class records—are heartily acknowledged by fans and critics alike
