Syed Mushtaq Ali

Introduction

Syed Mushtaq Ali was an Indian cricketer who is considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1964.

Early Life and Cricket Beginnings

Ali was born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in 1914. He learnt to play cricket when it was still a developing sport in India. He developed his skills by playing street cricket. His talent was recognised by C.K. Nayudu at the age of 13, and Nayudu helped him to develop his cricketing skills.

First-Class Debut and Rise to Prominence

Ali made his first-class debut for Holkar in 1930 and quickly established himself as one of the most promising batsmen in India. He soon caught the attention of the selectors due to his aggressive batting. He was known for his fearless stroke playing, which helped him dominate some of the best bowlers of his time. This trait made him stand out in an era where conservative batting was more common.

Test Cricket Career

Syed Mushtaq Ali was a top-order batsman who was known for his elegant style and his ability to score runs quickly. He also proved handy with the ball in hand. Ali made his Test debut for India against England in 1934. He became the first Indian batsman to score a century overseas when he scored a century during India’s tour of England in 1936. His century in the second Test at Old Trafford put Indian cricket on the map. He also stitched together a 203-run partnership with Vijay Merchant during this match.

Overall Career Statistics

Ali played a total of 11 Tests for India, accumulating a total of 612 runs at an average of 32.21. He also played 226 first-class matches, scoring 13,213 runs at an average of 35.90, with 30 centuries to his name. He continued to play until his retirement in 1964.

Post-Retirement and Legacy

After his retirement, Ali remained involved in the sport as a coach and administrator. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 90. His legacy continues to this day as The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, a T20 tournament in India, is named in his honor.