Name Hindi: सैयद किरमानी / Gender Man
Syed Kirmani: A Legendary Cricketer in Indian History
Born on December 29, 1949, Syed Mujtaba Hussain Kirmani is a former Indian cricketer. Known as an outstanding wicket-keeper and a proficient lower-order batsman, Syed Kirmani was an integral part of the Indian cricket team during its golden era in the late 70s and early 80s. Driven by passion and dedication for the sport, he built an enviable career that remains etched in the history of Indian cricket.
Early Life and Initial Career:
Originally hailing from Madras (now Chennai), India, Syed Kirmani developed an interest in cricket at a very young age. He started his professional career with Karnataka state (formally known as Mysore) in Ranji Trophy, demonstrating exceptional talent both behind and before the wickets. This naturally led to his selection in the national team.
Test Cricket Journey:
- Debut: Kirmani made his Test debut against New Zealand on January 31, 1976.
- Career Span: His test cricket career spanned over a decade from 1976 to 1986 during which he played 88 Tests for India.
- Record: In these tests, he recorded impressive stats of 160 catches and 38 stumpings making him one of India’s best wicketkeepers till date.
One Day International(ODI) Journey:
- Debut: His ODI debut came a bit earlier than his Test debut. It was against New Zealand on February 21, 1976.
- Career Span: Kirmani’s ODI career lasted about eight years from 1976 to 1986 during which he represented India in 49 matches.
- Famous Championship: He is best remembered for his contributions to the Indian team during the ICC Cricket World Cup 1983, where India emerged as champions.
Acknowledgements and Awards:
- Record Partnership: He still holds the world record for the highest partnership for the ninth wicket in Test innings with Kapil Dev whereas they made a contribution of 128 runs against Zimbabwe during the 1983 Cricket World Cup.
- The Best Wicket-keeper: Due to his exceptional performance throughout the tournament, Syed Kirmani was recognised as ‘The Best Wicket-keeper’of the 1983 Cricket World Cup Tournament, awarding him his first-ever global recognition.
- Prestigious National Award: In acknowledgment of his achievements and huge contribution to Indian cricket, Syed Kirmani has been awarded by one of the most prestigious civilian honours, Padma Shri, by The Government of India in 2020.
Syed Kirmani left an indelible mark on international cricketing history not only with his skills but also through sportsmanship and grace under extreme pressure. Despite having retired many years ago, he remains a revered figure both within and beyond India’s cricketing landscape.
