Name Hindi: सदाशिव पाटिल / Gender Man
Sadashiv Patil: A Renowned Cricket All-rounder
Born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, on October 10, 1932, Sadashiv Patil was a right-arm medium-pacer and middle-order batsman who made significant contributions to Indian cricket. Today we delve into the life of this renowned sports personality whose immense passion for the sport left an indelible mark in the minds of generations on end.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Growing up in Western India during British occupation, young Sadashiv Patil witnessed first-hand the burgeoning popularity of cricket across the country. An avid lover of outdoor games himself since childhood, he found his calling in cricket at a tender age.
The tall and lanky lad quickly grew as a player under the guidance of coach Baloo Gupte and soon started turning heads with his displays for local teams. Not long after that, he debuted for Maharajkumar of Vizianagram’s team against Bombay University at Bade Miyan Ground in Bombay in December 1951. His exemplary performances regionally earned him a spot on the national team not too far down line.
Momentous Test Debut Against New Zealand
Patil received his India cap on December 12, 1955, with opportunity knocking when he was chosen over regular players to play in the second test match against New Zealand held between December 16 to 20 at Bombay’s Brabourne Stadium. Though mildly criticised by some critics for including a debutant all-rounder ahead of rated players, selectors led by Lala Amarnath saw potential warranting a national debut in him that was immediately justified.
Patil’s Performance Scorecard
- Bowling: In the first innings of New Zealand, he bowled nine wicketless overs for just 21 runs. He also took one catch to dismiss Tony MacGibbon off Vinoo Mankad.
- Batting: With regards to batting performance, he scored 14 non-out runs in India’s only innings with two boundaries included.
Incredibly, this turned out to be Patil’s only international cricket appearance as although the match ended in a draw, his modest performances didn’t help his cause on the road ahead.
Late Career and Retirement
After his short stint at an international level, Patil continued playing First-class cricket where he posed impressive statistics. Representing teams like Maharashtra and West Zone, he played till the age of 28 before calling it quits in February 1964 after featuring in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Bombay.
Career Statistics:
- First-class Matches Played: 36
- Total Runs Scored: 866
- Highest Score: 166 Not Out (vs Baroda)
- Wickets Taken: 83 (Best Bowling Figures: 7/71)
Sadashiv Patil might not have had a long international career but his immense contributions towards domestic cricket where he won several matches single-handedly can never be denied. A prime example is his exceptional bowling performance for Maharashtra against Saurashtra at Rajkot during the ‘56-’57 season where he claimed five wickets each in both innings leading team to strike victory from jaws of defeat.
He passed away at the age of 86 on September 15, 2020. He might not be with us physically today but his contribution to cricket and inherent love for the sport will forever live in our hearts. Respectful tribute to this beloved son of Indian cricket – Sadashiv ‘Nana’ Patil!
