Over five decades ago, the seeds for Indian cricket were laid. A man by the name of Rusi Surti took zero nonsense, became a brilliant cricket player, and helped pave the way for the Virat Kohli-led team that is today. He was able to do anything on the cricket field. The left-handed player was once referred to as a “poor man’s Garry Sobers” for his ability to swing, seam and spin the ball.
Even during today’s times, Surti is still remembered. To American’s, he would be the Babe Ruth of baseball. If you don’t know the name, then you should because that’s step one in becoming a true fan of the game of cricket.
Before the days of Betway Cricket, Surti was showing his ability to play the game at age 11. At the time, Surti moved to Bombay and was noticed by Indian captain Nari Contractor. Surti was eventually noticed by the Haslingden Cricket Club, which lured him to sign his first professional club contract.
Taken from Pixabay
His three-year stint in England produced 1,843 runs, 193 wickets, and everlasting fame at the club. His production led to his debut with India against Pakistan in 1960 in Mumbai. In just his second Test, he was promoted to No. 3 and scored 64. His electric fielding rumbled the fan-base. Known for his speed, strong arm, and his knack for taking and winning risks caught the eye of all who were in attendance.
In 1967, the Indian team arrived in Australia for their four-Test tour. In 35 years, the team had not once won in 43 Tests. Although Indian lost all four matches, the team came close to a victory and one player stood out among the crowd. It was the following year that Spurti led India to a historic double against New Zealand, which was the team’s first overseas Test and series win.
Surti scored 99 to set up the deciding fourth Test win, which capped the golden era of his time. He scored more runs than any Indian across the Australian tour with 688 runs. He was the best batsman at that time. In today’s ICC T20, he would have been a consistent contender for the league’s best player award.
In 2013, while on a casual trip to Mumbai, Surti experienced a stroke and he passed away at the age of 76. It was a wish come true, as he has reportedly told his son Percy many times that he wanted to die in India. Even today, he is well-remembered.
Surti set a Test record of 1,263 runs and 42 wickets. He was ahead of his time. Ahead of advanced metrics and medicine, Surti helped India go from winless overseas to a team that could contend. In India, cricket is the national pastime. After tough losses, fires have been set and merchandise has been burned. With all that passion, India expects to contend in every big game. It wouldn’t have been that way if Surti didn’t help change the narrative.
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