Polly Umrigar, born Pahlan Ratanji Umrigar on March 28, 1926, in Solapur, Maharashtra, was one of the most iconic figures in Indian cricket history. A versatile cricketer, he excelled as a middle-order batsman, occasional medium-pace and off-spin bowler, and a leader. Standing at six feet tall, his commanding presence at the crease and powerful strokeplay made him a formidable opponent.
Career Highlights
Batting Achievements: Umrigar was the first Indian to score a Test double century (against New Zealand in Hyderabad) and held the record for the highest score by an Indian on tour for 30 years with an unbeaten 252 against Cambridge University in 1959.
Bowling Feats: He was one of only two Indian cricketers to score a century and take five wickets in an innings (against West Indies at Port of Spain in 1962).
Captaincy: He captained India in eight Tests between 1955 and 1958, achieving two wins and two losses. A misunderstanding with selectors led to his resignation during the Madras Test against West Indies in 1959.
Records: At retirement in 1962, he held records for most Tests played (59), most runs scored (3,631), and most centuries (12) by an Indian cricketer.
Legacy
After retiring, Umrigar continued contributing to Indian cricket as chairman of the selection committee, tour manager, and BCCI executive secretary. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1962 and the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 199814. The Polly Umrigar Trophy is named after him and is awarded to India\\\'s best Under-15 cricketers.
Umrigar passed away on November 7, 2006, at age 80 due to lymph cancer. His legacy remains a source of inspiration for generations of cricketers.
Description
Polly Umrigar, born Pahlan Ratanji Umrigar on March 28, 1926, in Solapur, Maharashtra, was one of the most iconic figures in Indian cricket history. A versatile cricketer, he excelled as a middle-order batsman, occasional medium-pace and off-spin bowler, and a leader. Standing at six feet tall, his commanding presence at the crease and powerful strokeplay made him a formidable opponent. Career Highlights Batting Achievements: Umrigar was the first Indian to score a Test double century (against New Zealand in Hyderabad) and held the record for the highest score by an Indian on tour for 30 years with an unbeaten 252 against Cambridge University in 1959. Bowling Feats: He was one of only two Indian cricketers to score a century and take five wickets in an innings (against West Indies at Port of Spain in 1962). Captaincy: He captained India in eight Tests between 1955 and 1958, achieving two wins and two losses. A misunderstanding with selectors led to his resignation during the Madras Test against West Indies in 1959. Records: At retirement in 1962, he held records for most Tests played (59), most runs scored (3,631), and most centuries (12) by an Indian cricketer. Legacy After retiring, Umrigar continued contributing to Indian cricket as chairman of the selection committee, tour manager, and BCCI executive secretary. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1962 and the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 199814. The Polly Umrigar Trophy is named after him and is awarded to India\\\'s best Under-15 cricketers. Umrigar passed away on November 7, 2006, at age 80 due to lymph cancer. His legacy remains a source of inspiration for generations of cricketers.