Mohammad Azharuddin, with his characteristically silken touch, traversed realms of batting wizardry, redefining artistry. A stroke from Azhar at his best was a manifestation of divine grace, resembling a lotus in full bloom. While not the most technically refined, he possessed a repertoire of exotic strokes.
Few batsmen in cricket's history have embodied the magical or mysterious element of batting as Azhar, who painted innings like a Michelangelo amidst house painters. His wrists, coming into play at the last moment, pierced seemingly impenetrable gaps, transforming batting grammar into poetry. His flick through midwicket, often originating from outside the off stump, and his effortless drives through the covers, showcased his extraordinary talent. Since Ranjit Singhji, no player has executed the leg glance with such delicate purity. His style and wristy strokeplay evoked comparisons with Gundappa Viswanath.
Azhar was also an outstanding fielder at cover-point, where he moved with grace and threw with incredible speed and panache. He ranked among the best all-round fielders India has ever produced.
Unfortunately, 25 years ago, he bid farewell to the game in an unceremonious manner. The allegations of match-fixing cast a shadow over his illustrious career, obscuring his stupendous achievements. It is a shame that his name was removed from the north stand at the Uppal stadium, following an order by HCA Ombudsman Justice Eswaraiah.
In 2000, Azharuddin’s iconic image was tarnished by allegations of involvement in match-fixing, following Hansie Cronje’s revelations and subsequent inquiries. He was banned for life by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Although he challenged the ban in court, the stigma remained. Some believe he was framed due to his Muslim identity, fueling anti-Muslim propaganda by certain political groups. This is a travesty, as during his playing career, Azhar served as a symbol against religious bigotry.
Highlights of His Career
Azhar's cricketing journey began in 1981, with a century in the Ranji Trophy. His talent was quickly recognized, and he was selected for the South Zone side. Notable performances include his 226 in the Duleep Trophy, centuries in both innings against Andhra, 51 for Rest of India against Mumbai in a successful run chase in the Irani Trophy, and 151 for India Under-25 against a visiting England team.
He made his international Test debut in the winter of 1984, with a dream start, scoring three consecutive centuries against England in a home series. Rarely has a batsman looked more promising in their debut series. In the first Test at Kolkata, he resurrected India with a record 214-run fifth-wicket partnership, after the team was struggling at 127/4. He followed this with 105 at Madras and 112 at Kanpur, becoming the first batsman to score centuries in his first three Tests. He ended the series with 439 runs at an average of 109.75. He demonstrated his mastery on the on-side, with dazzling drives and cuts, and the ability to score quickly when needed.
In the 1985 World Championship of Test Cricket in Australia, his unbeaten 93 was a masterpiece against the likes of Imran Khan.
However, his phenomenal run did not continue. In the subsequent 12 Tests, his average dipped below 30, plummeting to 48. He made a brilliant comeback against Sri Lanka in December 1986, scoring 199 at Kanpur. In the following series against Pakistan, he was consistent against Imran Khan and Wasim Akram, scoring 141 at Kolkata and 108 at Jaipur.
Again, Azhar experienced a dip in form in the next 12 Tests from 1987-1989, including a series in the West Indies, where he struggled against fast, short-pitched bowling.
He regained his form against Pakistan in 1989, with scores of 109, 77, and 52. He ruthlessly drove, flicked, and cut against Imran Khan and Wasim Akram. Later, in a series in New Zealand, he scored 303 runs at an average of 75.75, including a classical 192 in the third Test.
On the 1990 tour of England, Azhar explored new dimensions in batting, inventing surreal strokes. His 121 off just 111 balls at Lord’s was a fusion of artistry and electrifying effect. In the second Test at Old Trafford, he scored 179, becoming the first Indian batsman to score 100 runs in a session. He finished the series with 426 runs at an average of 85.20. He also contributed match-winning fifties in the ODI series.
He experienced another dip in form in 1991-1992 in South Africa and Australia, except for a dazzling 106 in the fourth Test at Adelaide. He averaged a mere 21.33 in the Australian series.
In a home series against England in 1992-1993, he resurrected his form with a breathtaking 182 at Kolkata. He also scored scintillating knocks of 74 and 95 not out in the ODI series.
In the mid-1990s, Azhar was at his peak in Test cricket against Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia, and Sri Lanka again.
At home against Sri Lanka, he dominated, scoring 307 runs at an average of 102.33, including a masterful 152.
In 1996 against South Africa, he rescued India from 161/7 with a 109, in a 161-run partnership with Anil Kumble. He continued his form in the final Test at Kanpur, scoring an unbeaten 163.
In South Africa in 1996-97, he scored a spectacular 115, in a 222-run partnership with Tendulkar. He played the express pace of Allan Donald with remarkable flourish. Later that year, he scored 126 and an unbeaten 108 in Sri Lanka.
He scored a sparkling 163 against Australia in Kolkata in 1998 and continued his form in New Zealand. He finished his career with a convincing 102 against South Africa in Bangalore.
In the West Indies in 1997, he averaged 12.60 in Tests, struggling on their bouncy pitches.
An injury prevented him from reaching 100 Test matches in 2000.
Azharuddin flourished as a captain at home, leading India to notable series wins. However, his captaincy was marked by frequent changes in the mid-1990s.
Assessment
Azharuddin ended his Test career with 6,215 runs at an average of 45.09, with 22 centuries and 105 catches in 99 Tests. In ODIs, he scored 9,378 runs at an average of 36.92, with 7 centuries and 58 fifties.
In winning causes in Tests, he averaged 55.48, with 5 centuries. At home, he averaged 55, but his away record was less prolific.
In my view, Azharuddin was one of the most stylish players India has ever produced, an all-time great ODI batsman, and a master against spin.
He compared favorably with the likes of Gundappa Viswanath, Zaheer Abbas, and Mark Waugh. While he struggled against the express pace of the West Indies and Australia, he excelled on home pitches and in England, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand.
Azhar ranks among the top ten Indian batsmen of all time. At his peak, he was one of the best ODI batsmen in the world.
Possibly, he did not fully realize his potential to join the league of all-time greats.
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*Freelance journalist
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