Chandrakant Gulabrao Borde, better known as Chandu Borde, was one of India’s ideal all-rounders from the 1960s to the 1970s. The Pune-born cricketer was an Indian fortification when the chips were down. Born on July 21, 1934, Borde was such a legend of India who was hardworking, dedicated and passionate about the game.
In his cricketing career, Borde has come to India’s defense several times. A middle-order-batsman with a safe pair of hands on the field and can collect wickets with his spin, the former India captain never shies away from a fight, even if it is for him to walk at No. 10 and go.
Making his first-class debut in 1952, Borde represented Maharashtra and it was in a match against Bombay where he came to bat when the score was 74/6 and scored a half-century. In the coming matches too, Borde shone with the ball by picking up a fifer. He switched teams and represented Baroda, where he spent the rest of his first-class career.
It was during a touring game in 1958 between Baroda and the West Indies where Borde shone, which earned him the opportunity to play for the Indian national cricket team.
Making his India debut in 1958, Borde did not make an immediate impact the way he did for Baroda as India hosted the mighty West Indies in Mumbai. In the two Test matches played by Borde, he scored only 20 runs and was dismissed twice for zero.
The batting all-rounder was dropped for the third Test, but on joining the fourth Test in Chennai, Borde made a comeback and scored a half-century in his second innings. In the fifth Test against the Windies, Borde dominated by scoring a century (109) in the first innings and 96 in the second innings.
After demonstrating his skills in the series against the West Indies, Borde was called up for the series against England (1961–9162). The all-rounder scored 314 runs and took 16 wickets. When England returned to India, Borde claimed his first and only five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
On his birthday today, here are some lesser known facts about Chandu Borde:
Saving the life of a woman contractor: In a match against West Indies, Nari Contractor was hit on the head via a Charlie Griffith bouncer. Borde immediately rushed to the aid of the contractor and donated blood to save his life.
A Test captain: Borde was made captain for only one Test against Australia in 1967–68. In the absence of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Borde led the Indian side where he scored 69 runs. Pataudi returned for the next match and continued his duty as captain.
Selection Role: Borde continued his work in cricket as he was included in the national selection team and also played a major role in making the 1983 World Cup winning team. Borde’s biggest pick was Mohammad Azharuddin.
Manager Role: Borde took the role of manager in 1989 and had a young 16-year-old batsman named Sachin Tendulkar in his squad. After being recalled several years later, Borde managed the Indian team that won the Test series 1–0 in England in 2007.
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