Vinoo Mankad

Early Life and Career

Vinoo Mankad was a cricketer ahead of his time, a player whose versatility and determination made him one of India’s greatest all-rounders. Whether with the bat or the ball, he played with an unyielding spirit, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cricket. Representing his country from 1946 to 1959, he amassed 2,109 Test runs and claimed 162 wickets. In first-class cricket, he was a prolific scorer, accumulating over 11,000 runs, including 23 centuries, a testament to his enduring excellence.

Born Mulvantrai Himmatlal Mankad in 1917, he was a left-handed opening batsman and a crafty slow left-arm orthodox bowler. His ability to bowl long, probing spells and his sharp fielding made him a formidable presence on the field. Mankad made his Test debut at Lord’s in 1946, scoring 14 and 63 in the match—an early glimpse of the talent that would define his career. Six years later, he returned to the same venue and made history. In 1952, he became the first Indian to score a century at Lord’s, crafting a majestic 184. He also took five wickets in the match, becoming the first player to achieve both a century and a five-wicket haul in a single Test.

One of his most celebrated performances came later that year against England in Madras. Mankad’s masterful spell of 8 for 55 in the first innings helped India secure their first-ever Test victory, a milestone moment in Indian cricket history.

Beyond his achievements, Mankad found himself at the center of one of cricket’s most debated moments. During India’s 1947-48 tour of Australia, he ran out Bill Brown at the non-striker’s end in a tour match in Sydney. Though the dismissal was entirely within the rules, it was considered by some to be unsporting, sparking controversy. The method of dismissal, later dubbed “Mankading,” has since remained a talking point in the cricketing world, highlighting the fine line between gamesmanship and fair play.

Legacy

Mankad bid farewell to Test cricket in 1959 but continued playing first-class cricket until 1962. His influence extended beyond his playing days, inspiring generations of cricketers who followed in his footsteps. In 1978, at the age of 61, he passed away, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, skill, and an undying passion for the game. Today, his name remains synonymous with both brilliance and controversy, a reflection of the impact he had on the sport he loved.