25 Unbelievable facts about Indian cricket

Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi
Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi

22. Col. CK Nayudu is the first Indian cricketer to endorse a brand

All-India Cricketer
All-India Cricketer

CK Nayudu is the first-ever captain of the Indian Cricket Team in Tests. In 1923, he was made the captain (land and air) in the Holkar army and then was conferred with the honour of Colonel. At 31 years of age (in the 1926-27 season), Nayudu smashed 153 runs in 116 minutes for the Hindus at Bombay Gymkhana against the MCC. His innings included 11 sixes out of which one landed on the roof of the stadium. He was presented a silver bat by the MCC for this special innings.

Nayudu played 7 Tests for India and scored 350 runs at an average of 25 and picked up 9 wickets. He made his India debut at the age of around 37. He regularly played first-class cricket until he was 63 and has scored 11,825 runs in 207 games. He returned to the field for one last time in 1963 at the age of 68 to play for one last time. The Indian Government also awarded him with the third highest (second highest then) civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan in 1956.

In 1941, he became the first Indian cricketer to endorse a brand - Bathgate Liver Tonic.

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