Vinoo Mankad, born Mulvantrai Himmatlal Mankad on April 12, 1917, in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, is a revered figure in the annals of Indian cricket. He was not only a formidable all-rounder but also a trailblazer who played a significant role in shaping the early history of Indian cricket and establishing its presence on the international stage. Mankad's illustrious career spanned the years between 1946 and 1959, and he remains one of the most iconic figures in Indian cricket history.
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Vinoo Mankad's cricketing journey began in his hometown of Jamnagar, where he honed his skills playing tennis ball cricket on the streets and maidans. His exceptional talent soon caught the attention of local coaches. Then he made rapid progress through the junior ranks, earning a spot in the Gujarat Ranji Trophy team at the young age of 16.
Mankad's early cricketing career was marked by his prowess as a left-handed opening batsman. He displayed a stylish and technically sound batting technique, which made him a formidable force at the crease. His ability to judge the length of the ball and play it late was particularly noteworthy. At 1xBet India there are online cricket match odds that can be used to wager on other competitions that are held in India too.
However, it was Mankad's prowess as a spin bowler that would eventually set him apart. He was a slow left-arm orthodox spinner who could extract considerable turn and bounce from the pitch. His impeccable control and the ability to vary his pace made him a challenging proposition for opposing batsmen.
Becoming a mainstay of the national side
Vinoo Mankad made his debut for the Indian cricket team in December 1946 against England at Bombay (now Mumbai). While he was initially recognized primarily for his batting, his bowling soon came to the forefront. In the same series against England, Mankad achieved a remarkable feat that would forever associate his name with the cricketing lexicon. There are on-the-go wagers at the 1xBet platform as well, where series between India and England can also be wagered.
He dismissed the legendary English batsman, Denis Compton, in a most unusual manner. He did so by running him out at the non-striker's end while delivering the ball, a mode of dismissal now known as "Mankading". This incident sparked a debate about the spirit of the game, but it also showcased Mankad's sharp cricketing intellect and his ability to think on his feet.
As a batsman, Mankad achieved several memorable feats during his career. He was the 1st Indian cricketer to score more than 100 runs in the 2 innings of a Test match, a remarkable achievement he accomplished against England at Lord's in 1952. His elegant stroke play and the ability to perform in pressure situations made him a vital cog in the Indian batting line-up.
However, it was as a bowler that Vinoo Mankad truly shone. He was a consistent wicket-taker in Test cricket, and his bowling figures often played a crucial role in India's performances. Mankad's ability to adapt to different conditions and provide breakthroughs made him an indispensable asset to the team.
One of Mankad's most memorable performances came during India's tour of England in 1952. In the 2nd Test at Lord's, he recorded figures of 5/196 and scored more than 100 runs in the 1st innings. This remarkable all-round display helped India secure a draw and earn their 1st-ever Test series win against England on English soil.
Vinoo Mankad's international career can be summarized as follows:
- he played 44 Test matches between 1946 and 1959;
- he scored a staggering 2,109 runs;
- and also, he took 162 wickets.
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