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Syed Abid Ali Passes Away at 83: A Tribute to the Former India All-Rounder
A Cricketing Legend Bids Farewell
Former Indian all-rounder Syed Abid Ali passed away on Wednesday, March 12, at the age of 83. Known for his exceptional skills as a medium pacer, a capable batsman, and an outstanding fielder, Abid Ali played a crucial role in Indian cricket during his tenure from 1967 to 1974. He represented India in 29 Test matches and left an indelible mark on the sport.
Early Career and Memorable Debut
Making a Mark in Test Cricket
Born in Hyderabad, Abid Ali made his Test debut in December 1967 against Australia in Adelaide. He had a dream start to his career, taking 6-55 in the first innings, which remained his best bowling figures in Test cricket. His ability to swing the ball effectively and contribute with the bat made him a valuable asset to the Indian team.
During the same Australian tour, Abid showcased his batting prowess by scoring 78 and 81 in the Sydney Test. His ability to deliver impactful performances with both bat and ball made him a key player in India’s Test squad for several years.
An All-Rounder with Unique Achievements
Opening the Batting and Bowling for India
Abid Ali was a rare cricketer who had the distinction of opening both the batting and bowling for India in seven Test matches. He performed this feat in:
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Two away matches against New Zealand in February 1968
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Three home matches against New Zealand in September and October 1969
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Two matches against the West Indies in February and April 1971
His versatility and adaptability made him a dependable player, ready to take on any role for the team.
Syed Abid Ali’s Contribution to Indian Cricket
Throughout his career, Abid Ali played a total of 29 Tests, scoring 1,018 runs and taking 47 wickets. His ability to contribute in both departments made him a crucial part of India’s Test setup. In the five ODIs he played, three of them were in the inaugural men’s ODI World Cup, further cementing his legacy in international cricket.
In his last ODI appearance, Abid Ali played a crucial innings, scoring 70 runs off 98 balls against New Zealand. Apart from his international career, he had a stellar first-class career, amassing 8,732 runs and taking 397 wickets in 212 games, with his highest score being an unbeaten 173.
Tributes from the Cricketing Community
Sunil Gavaskar’s Heartfelt Condolences
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar expressed his grief over Abid Ali’s passing, describing him as a “lion-hearted cricketer.” Gavaskar fondly remembered his contributions, stating:
“Very sad news, he was a lion-hearted cricketer who did anything the team needed. Despite being an all-rounder who batted in the middle order, he opened the batting when needed. Took some incredible catches in the leg-side cordon, adding an even sharper edge to our wonderful spin quartet.”
Gavaskar also highlighted Abid Ali’s unique record of taking a wicket with the first ball of a Test match on two occasions. He praised his gentlemanly conduct and his sharp cricketing acumen.
Legacy of Syed Abid Ali
Abid Ali’s contributions to Indian cricket will always be remembered. His dedication to the game, all-round abilities, and sportsmanship made him a respected figure in the cricketing world. Even after his retirement, he continued to contribute to cricket by coaching and mentoring young players.
Indian cricket has lost a true gem, but Syed Abid Ali’s legacy will live on in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts. His achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers, and his impact on the game will always be cherished.
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