Sporting icons : Dilip Vengsarkar- Career & video of the Indian batting stylist

 

Dilip Vengsarkar, born on April 6, 1956, is a former Indian cricketer. He was a right-handed batsman known for his elegant strokeplay. Vengsarkar had a prolific career spanning from 1976 to 1992.

He made his Test debut against New Zealand in 1976 and played 116 Test matches for India, scoring 6,868 runs at an average of 42.13, including 17 centuries. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he played 129 matches, scoring 3,508 runs at an average of 34.73.

Vengsarkar was known for his ability to play under pressure and for his performances against top teams like England and the West Indies. He was a key member of the Indian batting lineup during the 1980s.

Some notable highlights of his career include scoring three consecutive centuries at Lord's Cricket Ground (1979, 1982, and 1986), becoming the first player to achieve this feat. He was also the first Indian cricketer to score three Test centuries at Lord's.

Vengsarkar also had success as a captain, leading India in 10 Test matches. After retirement, he served as the Chairman of the Selection Committee for the Indian cricket team.

Overall, Dilip Vengsarkar is regarded as one of India's finest batsmen and a stalwart of Indian cricket during the 1980s.

Dilip Vengsarkar was a right-handed batsman known for his elegant and technically sound batting style. He had a classical approach to batting, with a solid defense and a wide array of strokes in his repertoire. Vengsarkar was particularly strong on the back foot, with precise footwork and excellent timing.His driving off the front foot was elegant to watch .  He was known for his ability to play long innings, displaying patience and concentration at the crease. Vengsarkar's batting style earned him admiration from fans and fellow cricketers alike, establishing him as one of India's finest batsmen of his era.

Dilip Vengsarkar's cricket career is illustrious and spans several decades. Here's a detailed overview:

1. **Early Career**: Dilip Vengsarkar made his Test debut against New Zealand in 1976 at the age of 20. He scored a century in only his third Test match, establishing himself as a promising talent.

2. **Consistency in Tests**: Vengsarkar's Test career was marked by remarkable consistency. He played 116 Test matches, scoring 6,868 runs at an average of 42.13, including 17 centuries. He was known for his ability to play long innings and handle pressure situations effectively.

3. **Success Against Top Teams**: Vengsarkar had notable success against top teams like England and the West Indies. He scored three consecutive centuries at Lord's Cricket Ground, becoming the first player to achieve this feat. He was also the first Indian cricketer to score three Test centuries at Lord's.

4. **ODI Career**: In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Vengsarkar played 129 matches, scoring 3,508 runs at an average of 34.73. While he wasn't as prolific in ODIs as in Tests, he still made valuable contributions to the Indian team.  He was a part of India's great run in ODI cricket in the mid 80s when they won the World Cup 1983 , Asia Cup 1984 , Mini World cup 1985 & the Rothmans Cup 1985.

5. **Captaincy Stints**: Vengsarkar also had stints as the captain of the Indian cricket team. He led India in 10 Test matches, including during the 1987 World Cup. While his captaincy tenure didn't see significant success, he was respected for his leadership qualities.

6. **Post-Retirement**: After retiring from international cricket, Vengsarkar remained involved in the sport. He served as the Chairman of the Selection Committee for the Indian cricket team, where he played a key role in shaping the team's composition.

7. **Legacy**: Dilip Vengsarkar is regarded as one of India's finest batsmen and a stalwart of Indian cricket during the 1980s. His contributions to the game, both as a player and a selector, have left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.

Overall, Vengsarkar's career is defined by his skill, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure, making him one of the most revered cricketers in Indian cricket history.

In the below video watch Dilip Vengsarkar magnificent Lords 100 in 1986 which helped India to win the test .