Saleem Durani is a former Indian cricketer who played for the Indian cricket team in the 1960s and 1970s. He was born on 11th December 1934 in Maharashtra, India. Cricketer Saleem wife name is Shereen Saleem, born on Monday, Dec 07, 1959. Cricket Legend Saleem Durani is the only Indian Test cricketer to be born in Afghanistan.
Durani was a left-arm spinner and a left-handed batsman. He made his debut for India in 1960 against Pakistan and played his last international match in 1973 against the West Indies. In his international career, he played in 29 Test matches. And scored 1202 runs at an average of 25.92. He also took 75 wickets at an average of 32.80.
One of Durani’s most memorable performances came in the 1962-63 tour of the West Indies. Where he scored 104 not out in the second Test at Kingston, Jamaica. He also took five wickets in the match and helped India to a historic victory over the West Indies.
One of Durani’s most memorable performances came in 1967. When he helped India win their first-ever Test match against Australia on their home soil.
He scored an unbeaten 104 in the second innings and took ten wickets in the match. Durani was also a part of the Indian team that won their first Test series in the West Indies in 1971.
Durani played his last Test match for India in 1973 against the West Indies in Mumbai. He also played first-class cricket for Bengal, Delhi, and Saurashtra.
After retiring from cricket, Durani became a cricket coach and commentator. He was also a member of the Indian selection committee in the 1980s.
After retiring from cricket, Durani worked as a coach and commentator. He was also involved in politics and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha. The upper house of the Indian parliament, from 2004 to 2010.
Durani was known for his stylish batting, accurate bowling, and his ability to perform under pressure. He was also admired for his sportsmanship and his commitment to the game of cricket. He is regarded as one of the finest all-rounders to have played for India.
Saleem Durani Awards List
Saleem Durani, the former Indian cricketer, was famous for his all-round performances for the Indian cricket team in the 1960s and 1970s. He receive several awards and honors for his achievements in the sport. Here are some of the major awards and honors receive by Cricketer Saleem Durani:
- Arjuna Award: Saleem Durani award the Arjuna Award. One of the highest honors for Indian sportspersons, in 1961 for his outstanding achievements in cricket.
- Padma Shri: In 1964, Saleem Durani was honored with the Padma Shri. The fourth-highest civilian award in India, for his contribution to Indian cricket.
- CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award: In 2011, Saleem Durani was honored with the CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. This aware given by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for his contribution to Indian cricket.
- Maharashtra Bhushan Award: In 2013, Indian cricketer salim durani given award the Maharashtra Bhushan Award. The highest civilian award in the state of Maharashtra, for his contribution to Indian cricket.
- Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Lifetime Achievement Award: In 2018, Saleem Durani was honored with the MCA Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Mumbai cricket.
These are some of the major awards and honors received by Indian Legendary cricketer Saleem Durani in recognition of his achievements in cricket.
Saleem Durani Rare Facts
Here are some lesser-known and interesting facts about Saleem Durani:
- Saleem Durani’s father was a freedom fighter who participated in the Indian independence movement.
- Durani was a polyglot and could speak several languages fluently. This including English, Hindi, Urdu, Marathi, and Gujarati.
- Salim Durani was a close friend of the legendary Indian cricketer, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. The two played together for the Indian cricket team and were known for their on-field chemistry.
- In addition to cricket, Durani was also a talented football player. And represented his school and college teams in the sport.
- Durani was a left-arm spinner who could bowl a variety of deliveries, including the orthodox spin, the arm ball, and the googly.
- Salim Durani was famous for his excellent fielding skills, particularly his ability to take sharp catches in the slip cordon.
- Durani was the first Indian cricketer to score a hundred. And take ten wickets in the same Test match. He achieved this feat against Australia in Adelaide in 1968.
- Durani was also a good singer and would often entertain his teammates with his melodious voice.
These are some of the lesser-known and interesting facts about the former Indian cricketer Saleem Durani.
Salim Aziz Durani an Indian cricketer died on 2nd April 2023.
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