Vijay Hazare

Vijay Samuel Hazare (11 March 1915- 18 December 2004) was an Indian cricket player from the state of Maharashtra. He was the first Indian to captain the national team. He also lead India to its first ever test win in 1951-52 against England in Madras, which was also the only win under his captaincy. The team's next victory came after a long 23 years against the West Indies.

On the domestic circuit, Hazare played for the Maharashtra, Central India and Baroda teams.

Some of his achievements include:

• First batsman ever to score a triple century in any form of cricket
• First Indian to score two triple centuries
• First to score a century in three successive test matches
• First player to make fifty centuries in his career

His batting average in international cricket is an impressive 47.65 and he amassed 2192 runs. His first class record is even more impressive with 58.38 and 18,740 runs.

Hazare, and his namesake batsman and friend Vijay Merchant, together showed the cricketing world the art of determination, defense and concentration. Among the current Indian players, only Rahul Dravid has been known to show such mental strength.

He has been honoured with a trophy in his name, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, a zonal-cricket tournament in India.

External Link

• Cricinfo Player Profile : Vijay Samuel Hazare