Who was Salim Durani?

On April 2 this year, former Indian cricketer Salim Durani passed away at the age of 88 in Gujarat’s Jamnagar. He underwent a surgery for thigh bone fracture in January 2023.

Durani’s Cricket Career

Salim Durani, born in Kabul, Afghanistan, was a left-arm orthodox bowler and a handy batsman who played 29 Tests for India. He made his Test debut against Australia in the beginning of 1960 at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium and played his last international match against England in February 1973.

Durani had an impressive cricketing career with the ability to demolish any bowling attack on his day. He had a Test batting average of 26.04 and scored 1,202 runs, including one century and seven fifties in the 50 innings he played for the country. Durani’s highest score in Test cricket was 104, and he had a career first-class batting average of 33.37.

India’s Triumphs Under Durani’s Leadership

Salim Durani was a key player in India’s historic victory against England in the Test series in 1961-62. India beat the visitors 2-0 in the five-Test series, and it was Durani who starred with the ball, taking 18 wickets in India’s two victories in Calcutta and Madras. He also played a major part in India’s victory against the West Indies in Port of Spain.

Durani’s Impact in the Cricketing World

Durani was known for his fine dressing style and swagger, which added to his charismatic personality. He had a special relationship with the crowd, who once expressed their ire after he was dropped from the team for a match in Kanpur, and carried banners and placards that read ‘No Durani, no test!’.

Salim Durani was first in India to win Arjuna Award in cricket. The award is bestowed by the Sports Ministry to recognize outstanding achievement in the field of sports. Durani was a tall man and could get the ball to lift and turn on any surface with a bit of help, making him a formidable opponent.

Durani’s Contribution to Indian Cinema

Besides cricket, Durani gained fame with the Bollywood film ‘Charitra’ in 1973 opposite famous actress of the ’70s and ’80s, Praveen Babi. His charming personality and screen presence impressed many, making him an overnight sensation in the Indian film industry.

Month: Current Affairs – April, 2023

Category: Sports Current Affairs