Happy birthday Narendra Hirwani: A look at his achievements
Former Indian cricketer Narendra Hirwani turned 50 today. Born on this day in 1968, Hirwani broke several records in a short international career spell. The spinner weaved his magic in domestic cricket for Madhya Pradesh, picking tons of wickets. The former cricketer will always be remembered for his dream Test debut for India. We wish Hirwani a happy birthday.
Best figures on debut ever!
At 16, Hirwani made his first-class debut
Leg-spinner Hirwani made his first-class debut for MP against Rajasthan in the year 1984. He was then just 16 years old. Hirwani had a spectacular debut as he picked 5/101 in the only innings of that game. He did well in the next couple of seasons and also picked up 23 wickets during an U-19 three-Test match series against Australia.
Hirwani thrived in debut Test
Hirwani's performance in a tour match against West Indies helped him earn a maiden Test call-up. He finished with 8/61 in the first innings. With this, he become only the fourth bowler to take eight wickets in a debut innings. Hirwani claimed 8/75 in second to end the match with figures of 16/136. This still remains the best performance by a bowler on debut.
Hirwani's most prized wicket
According to dressing room rumors, during Hirwani's debut Test, the leg-spinner told his roommate Chetan Sharma that he would rip apart the stumps of Vivian Richards. And that happened on the next day when Hirwani dismissed Richards with a flipper. Richards committed on the front foot and wanted to steer the ball towards third man. He played over it and saw the stumps crash.
Hirwani's first-class records are amazing
In 17 Tests, he took a total of 66 wickets. Hirwani also appeared in 18 ODIs for India, picking a total of 23 wickets. Despite not having a long and fruitful international career, Hirwani was a powerhouse in domestic circuit. He picked up 732 first-class wickets in 167 matches with an astounding 54 five-wicket hauls. His fighting spirit is what defined Narendra Hirwani.
