2018-04-02 Mon

Ranjitsinghji, the ruler of Nawanagar State and one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, was born on 10 September 1872 at Sadodar in Nawanagar state in Kathiawar.

He made his debut in Test Cricket with a Test match played between England and Australia on 16th of July 1896 at Manchester. He represented England in the match and became the first Indian ever to play a Test match for England. In this match, he scored 62 runs and 154 runs (Not Out) in both the innings respectively. Ranjitsinhji was famous for his unorthodox techniques and quick reactions.

He played his last Test match on the 24th of July, 1902 against Australia at Manchester, and managed to score just 6 runs in the match.

Ranjitsinhji, who became the ruler of Jamnagar on 11 March 1907, lost an eye in a shooting incident in 1915. After a brief illness, he died on 2 April 1933. The Wisden once wrote of this prince among players: “If the word genius can with any propriety be employed in connection with cricket, it surely applies to the young Indian’s batting.”

India Post has issued special postage stamp portraying KS Ranjit Singh released in 1973. The 30 Paisa stamp shows Ranji (as he was affectionately called) executing a leg glance.

Image Source: Mintage World