Girja Shankar Dixit
Pahlan Ratanji (Polly) Umrigar (March 28, 1926 – November 7, 2006) was a legendary Indian cricketer who played first-class cricket for Bombay (Mumbai) and Gujarat. A right-handed middle-order batter and an off-spin bowler, he was one of the most prominent figures in Indian cricket history.
Umrigar’s cricket career spanned from 1948 to 1962, during which he left a lasting impact on the sport. He was a key figure in India’s cricketing success in the 1950s and early 1960s, earning a reputation as a dependable batsman, a skillful bowler, and a brilliant fielder.
One of Umrigar’s most significant milestones was becoming the first Indian to score a Test double century. He achieved this feat against New Zealand in 1955 at Hyderabad. Additionally, he was one of only two Indian cricketers to score a century and take five wickets in an innings, a rare accomplishment he achieved against the West Indies at Port of Spain in 1962.
He played a pivotal role in shaping Indian cricket, whether as a batsman, bowler, or captain. As a bowler, he was an accurate off-spinner and could even open the bowling with out-swingers.
Notable Performances
In the 1952-53 Test series against England, Umrigar replaced Hemu Adhikari (due to a wrist injury) and made an immediate impact. Walking in at 216 for 5, he batted for four and a half hours, remaining unbeaten on 130. His innings played a crucial role in India’s first-ever Test victory.
Throughout his career, Umrigar scored 12 Test centuries, many against formidable bowling attacks. However, he regarded his 130-run knock against England as the best inning of his life. Another highlight was his unbeaten 172 against Wes Hall and Charlie Stayers in Trinidad during the penultimate Test of his career.
Early Life and Cricketing Journey
Born in Sholapur, Maharashtra, Umrigar came from an affluent background; his father owned a clothing company. He began playing cricket at the age of 12 and honed his skills after joining St. Xavier’s College in Bombay. Watching great players up close was the only form of coaching he ever received. Soon, he was representing Bombay University and made his first-class debut for Bombay in 1944-45. He remained a stalwart of the champion Bombay team for two decades.
The Parsi community played a crucial role in early Indian cricket, forming one of the strongest teams in Bombay’s Quadrangular and Pentangular tournaments. Umrigar carried forward this legacy with his outstanding contributions to the national team.
Captaincy and Legacy
Umrigar captained India in eight Test matches between 1955 and 1958. His career-best bowling performance came against Pakistan when he took six wickets for 74 runs at Bahawalpur.
By the time he retired in 1962, Umrigar had played the most Test matches (59) for India, scored the most runs (3,631), and held the record for most centuries (12), all of which were later surpassed.
Honors and Recognition
In recognition of his services to Indian cricket, Umrigar was awarded the Padma Shri in 1962. He also received the C.K. Nayudu Trophy in 1988-89. The Polly Umrigar Award, instituted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), honors the best international cricketer of the year (for both men and women), cementing his legacy in Indian cricket.
Beyond his playing days, Umrigar served as the manager of Indian touring teams to New Zealand, the West Indies, and Australia. He was also the Chairman of the National Selection Committee between 1978 and 1982.
A Lasting Legacy
Polly Umrigar’s illustrious career left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. A formidable batsman, a useful bowler, and an inspiring leader, his contributions helped shape Indian cricket during a crucial period. His pioneering double century was a landmark achievement, establishing him as a trailblazer in Indian batting history.
