Once upon a time in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, once a biggest sporting centers in India, especially for cricket, has lost its grace off late. Though there are many outstanding sports persons from Hyderabad, the number has reduced drastically in terms of cricketing talents.

Like Australia, West Indies and England in world cricket, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Vidharbha (Holkar’s province) were early starters in Indian cricket. In those days, the Indian cricket team hailed players mostly from these three states. Naturally, being a Hyderabadi, I take pride in saying that we are one of those who sowed the seeds of Indian cricket and had a glorious past. This is my humble tribute to those Nizam’s men who contributed immensely to Indian cricket.

ML Jaisimha:

Cultivated stylist of Indian cricket

Jai was a stylist in the purest sense, as he was called the “cultivated stylist” in the Indian team. His boyish good looks, flamboyant nature, and collar-up style attracted the eyes of viewers. He remained an inspiration for all Hyderabadi cricketers even after his playing days got over. Azharuddin’s first inspiration was Jaisimha, and he tried to imitate his inspiration in every aspect. The younger generation wrongly believe that collar-up style was invented by Azhar, but in fact, the trend was started by Jaisimha. His shots were a real delight to watch, as he and his cricket overflowed with style.

Mohammad Azharuddin:

Ahar – The wristy craftsman

He is a man who needs no introduction to the cricket fraternity, especially the one in India. His story is no different from a typical Bollywood movie. His arrival was sensational, and his departure was sensational as well. He announced his arrival in test cricket with three back-to-back centuries, a feat unmatched till date. His wrist flicks were the best in the business, and legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan called him one of the best players in cricket, on par with Sachin Tendulkar. Statistically, he is one of India’s finest captains. He won 103 ODI matches as Indian captain (which is still a record for an Indian player), to go with his 14 test match wins. He was the first player to play 300 ODI matches, and if Azhar was around for a few more years, then half of the Sachin Tendulkar’s records would have been under his name. He was also arguably India’s greatest fielder ever.

VVS Laxman:

VVS – A wizard among muggles

He was an alternative name for elegance and grace. He brought in a new flavour in a celebrated Indian middle order. Ganguly – Fighting spirit, Dravid – Solidity, Tendulkar – Class, and Laxman – Elegance. I still miss those flicks through those supple wrists on off stump deliveries going just pass the umpire. Boy, that was poetry! Though he had rough patches, in between he played arguably the best innings by an Indian as well as the best innings of the decade.

One of the greatest Indian captains ever, and the youngest ever to lead the Indian side, the Nawab of Pataudi also played for Hyderabad. We also had some notable spinners like Ghulam Ahmed, Arshad Ayub, Shivlal Yadav & Venkatpati Raju. We also had Abbas Ali Baig, who was regarded as one of the finest talents in the country, but never came to terms with it at the international level.

There are still some decent cricketers who are knocking the doors of the BCCI for a place in the national side, like Pragyan Ojha and Ambati Rayudu.

When talking with friends from other states, one question is frequently asked. “Why are all Hyderabadi cricketers so stylish & wristy?”I proudly answer: “Elegance and grace naturally comes to us. Hyderabadis brought a certain panache to everything they did. Hyderbadis are artists, not cricketers.”

We were once biggest cricketing centre in India, probably next to Mumbai, but now have nothing of note to say about Hyderabadi cricket. The recent debacle in the region is disheartening for a fan like me, adding to it the termination of our IPL franchise. I don’t care much about the entertainment or enjoyment factor that the IPL provides, but I do care about pride. The chance that the younger players could have got to prove their skills at an international stage will be missing now. For a fan like me, who always hoped for my team to be the best, and to be recognised at the national level, it is disheartening to see this downfall of what was a premier cricketing base in India once.

I wish Hyderabad cricket retains its past glory and produces many artistic cricketers like always in the coming future.