India's Test XI in Sachin Tendulkar's debut match: Where are they now?

#4 Mohammad Azharuddin

Mohammad Azharuddin at a promotion of the film ‘Azhar’

Mohammad Azharuddin repaired some of the damage done by the Pakistani fast bowlers in the first innings and was Tendulkar's first batting partner at the International level. He stitched a gritty partnership with Tendulkar and scored 35 runs for his side. In the 2nd innings, he played another handy knock.

Later on, Azharuddin became one of the most successful Indian captains and also had good numbers in the batting statistics. However, his controversial career was cut short after accusations of match-fixing.

In 2000, he was found guilty in the match-fixing scandal with the then South African captain, Hansie Cronje, indicating that the Indian was responsible for introducing him to the bookies. Following this incident, Azharuddin was banned by the ICC and the BCCI from all cricket related activities for life.

In 2012, a Divisional Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court consisting of Justice Ashutosh Mohunta and Krishna Mohan Reddy acquitted him of the match-fixing charges following which the bans were revoked.

In 2009, he won the general elections from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh and served office until 2014 on an Indian National Congress ticket. Most recently, a film based on the cricketer’s life bearing the title ‘Azhar’ was released with Emraan Hashmi playing the title role.