Name Hindi: विजय मांजरेकर / Gender Man
Vijay Manjrekar: A Luminary in the World of Cricket
Born on September 26, 1931, in Maharashtra, India, Vijay Laxman Manjrekar was one of the most skilled batsmen to grace Indian cricket during the1950s and 1960s. His skill with the bat coupled with his consistency elevated him among the sport’s luminaries and has left a lasting impression.
Early Life
Raised by a father who played first-class cricket for Gujarat sure instilled cricket into Vijay’s veins at an early age. He honed his skills as a right-handed batsman and made his debut in regional matches before he rose to represent his country internationally.
Career Highlights
- In 1951, at the age of only nineteen years old, Vijay Manjrekar made his test debut against England.
- Two years later in 1952, he scored his maiden test century against England in Headingley. This accomplishment positioned him on High podium bearing testimony to foresight about this prodigy’s future grandeur.
- One of his memorable performances includes scoring a double hundred (189 not out) against England at Delhi during the Test matches in 1961-62 series which became instrumental in India’s victory over England that year.
- He also showcased exceptional performance during Australia’s tour of India in 1964-65 where he contributed towards drawing two crucial games for India despite having faced some formidable bowling line-ups.
- Vijay Manjrekar remained active on-field till 1978 earning himself illustrious stints at playing both national and international tournaments including Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy where he usually performed as Middle Order batsman but was hardly given a chance to bowl.
Post-Cricket Career and Personal Life
After retiring from active cricket, Vijay Manjrekar continued his association with the sport as a Cricket commentator. His analytical approach towards the game earned him popularity even in this new role. He got married at an early age of 20 years and became father of another significant batsman Sanjay Manjrekar who represented India in major cricket events during late 1980s till mid-1990s.
Tribute and Legacy
Vijay Manjrekar’s career was studded with many intimidating performances which together summed up to an aggregate of almost four thousand runs for India including seven centuries and fifteen half-centuries. This esteemed Cricketer breathed his last on October 18, 1983, leaving behind a memorable legacy.
The then President of BCCI Mr. NKP Salve had paid tribute by saying “Manjarekar possessed probably the finest technique amongst Indian batsmen…” These words surely echo the stature that Vijay held in world cricket.
His home ground at Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium bore testimony to his greatness when ‘Vijay Manjrekar Lane’ was named after him posthumously acknowledging his contributions towards Indian cricket.
Above all else, Vijay Laxman Manjrekar’s career is sustained evidence of spectacular sportsmanship, stringent discipline, perseverance, exceptional skill sets etched onto record books forever breaking barriers into timeless feats.
Whilst heart remembers & cherishes these Golden pursuits; generations ahead would draw immense inspiration commemorating this towering figure whose prowess were indeed one of a kind hallowed greatly & unparallelly.
