Dilip Vengsarkar Turns 67: A Look Back at Former India Skipper’s Glorious Career

Happy Birthday Dilip Vengsarkar: Despite having good technique and a flamboyant style of play, Dilip Vengsarkar is rarely regarded as India’s top-choice batsman in the international circuit. Vengsarkar’s illustrious career, largely alongside legends like Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar, was nothing less than a fairy-tale.

IPL 2023 Full Coverage , ipl 2023 schedule , ipl 2023 result , ipl orange cap , ipl purple cap

From rising to prominence at just 19 to ending his career as the second-highest run-scorer in Tests – it has certainly been a remarkable journey for Vengsarkar in the international arena. Born in Maharashtra, nicknamed Colonel, he made his debut in the international circuit in 1976 during the first Test against New Zealand. In ODIs, Vengsarkar represented India for the first time against the same opponent just a month later.

As Dilip Vengsarkar celebrates his 67th birthday today, it is time to take a look back at the illustrious career of the former Indian skipper:

1. Dilip Vengsarkar shot to fame as a teenager after scoring a sensational century for Rest of India in the Irani Trophy in 1975. At the age of 19, Vengsarkar scored 110 runs in that clash.
2. Vengsarkar’s impressive performance was enough to attract the attention of the national selectors. Vengsarkar earned his first India call-up just a year later.
3. But it was not a trouble free start for him in international cricket. The ploy of getting Vengsarkar up the batting order didn’t work. The idea of ​​using him as an opener had to be abandoned soon.
4. His position change paid off as Vengsarkar found his most suitable position in the batting order – No.3.
5. A fruitful tour of Australia in 1977–78 helped him establish his place in the team.
6. After enjoying another standout performance in England in 1986, Vengsarkar emerged as Team India’s best performer.
7. Dilip Vengsarkar wore the Indian captain’s cap apart from showcasing his brilliant batting. He led Team India in 10 Test matches.
8. Vengsarkar ended his career with 116 Tests and 129 ODIs under his belt. He also became only the second Indian cricketer to play in 100 Tests or more for India.
9. Vengsarkar decided to end his astonishing career in 1992.
10. At the time of his retirement, Vengsarkar was second only to Sunil Gavaskar in terms of centuries and runs scored for India in Test cricket.
11. After playing 116 matches, Dilip Vengsarkar scored 6868 runs in Tests with 17 centuries.
12. He scored 3508 runs in ODIs. After his retirement, Vengsarkar was named the chairman of selectors of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2006.

get the latest cricket news, ipl 2023 live score, orange cap And purple cap holder details here