Chandu Sarwate: The Versatile Stalwart of Indian Cricket
Girja Shankar Dixit
Chandrasekhar Trimbak Sarwate—better known as Chandu Sarwate—remains one of the most remarkable yet underappreciated figures in Indian cricket. Born on July 22, 1920, in Sagar, Central Provinces (now Madhya Pradesh), his cricketing journey spanned over three decades, during which he distinguished himself as a dependable all-rounder, a shrewd administrator, and a respected fingerprint expert.
Sarwate’s cricketing odyssey began in the mid-1930s, representing Central Provinces and Berar. Over the years, he turned out for a host of teams—Maharashtra, Hindus, Bombay, Holkar, Madhya Bharat, Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha—reflecting both his versatility and enduring value in domestic cricket.
In first-class cricket, Sarwate compiled an impressive record: 7,430 runs in 171 matches at an average of 32.73, including 14 centuries and 38 fifties. His highest score—a monumental 246 for Holkar against Bengal in 1950–51—stands as a testament to his batting prowess.
With the ball, he was a wily right-arm leg-spinner known for his control and subtle variations. He claimed 494 wickets at an average of 23.54, with best figures of 9 for 61 for Holkar against Mysore in the 1945–46 season. His all-round excellence made him indispensable in the domestic circuit, particularly for Holkar, one of the dominant teams of that era.
However, despite his domestic heroics, Sarwate’s Test career remained modest. He represented India in just nine Tests between 1946 and 1951, scoring 208 runs at an average of 13.00 and taking only three wickets. His limited success at the international level belied the impact he had at home.
One of the most memorable moments of his career came during the 1946 tour of England. In a first-class match against Surrey at The Oval, India were in dire straits at 205 for 9 when Sarwate and Shute Banerjee staged a stunning turnaround. The duo added a record-breaking 249 runs for the last wicket. Both scored centuries—Sarwate remaining unbeaten on 124—in what remains the only instance in first-class cricket where both the No. 10 and No. 11 batsmen scored centuries in the same innings. The partnership still stands as the highest for the tenth wicket in first-class history.
Following his playing days, Sarwate remained deeply involved in cricket. He served as a national selector in the early 1980s and was part of the panel that picked the Indian squad for the historic 1983 World Cup triumph. As secretary and chairman of selectors for the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association, he played a pivotal role in nurturing local talent and shaping the region’s cricketing future.
Beyond the boundary, Sarwate was a man of many talents. He held degrees in arts and law and was a professional fingerprint expert—a rare distinction among cricketers.
He passed away on December 23, 2003, in Indore, leaving behind a legacy defined by dedication, resilience, and quiet excellence.
Chandu Sarwate’s story is a reminder of the many unsung heroes who have helped shape Indian cricket. His achievements, especially in the domestic arena, and his enduring contributions as an administrator have left an indelible mark on the game in India.
