PremiumCricketers with disability who proudly wore the Indian jersey
Ghoomer
Cricket demands robust physical fitness and today's generation, who want to play all three formats, need to be in top form. For devoted cricket enthusiasts, names like Jonty Rhodes, Martin Guptill, and Shoaib Akhtar are likely familiar. Their on-field prowess may have captivated your attention, but did you ever imagine that these celebrated figures harboured disabilities?
It might come as a surprise, but Jonty Rhodes dealt with 'mild' epilepsy, Martin Guptill exhibited remarkable prowess despite having two toes on his left foot, and Shoaib Akhtar's prowess was unaffected despite being flat-footed.
While these names hail from the international cricket arena, did you know that three Indian cricketers also conquered significant disabilities to represent their nation?
Let's have a look at these players who wore the Indian jersey despite their disabilities.
Last Updated: 06.53 PM, Aug 18, 2023
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Washington Sundar
Sundar has been one of India's premier all-rounders and his inaugural half-century against New Zealand proved pivotal, rescuing India from potential embarrassment on their home turf. However, has been grappling with a disability since his early days.
Reports indicate that Sundar's parents were informed of his hearing impairment when he was merely four to five years old. Despite being deaf in one ear, Sundar's determination has triumphed over this challenge, and his weaknesses have never hindered his achievements.
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Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi
The revered former captain of the Indian team was one of his era's finest cricketers. A car accident at the age of 20 resulted in the loss of Pataudi's right eye. Notably, Pataudi's game remained largely unaffected which is a testament to his skill.
Under his leadership, India secured its inaugural overseas Test series victory against New Zealand in 1968.
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BS Chandrasekhar
Bhagwat Subramaniam Chandrasekhar had a mastery in spin bowling. His crafty and incisive googlies proved instrumental in shaping the Indian cricket team's destiny on foreign soil. Chandrasekhar's journey was marked by an early diagnosis of polio, which left his left hand impaired.
Despite all, his tally of 98 wickets across 14 Test matches during his tenure stands as a testament to his excellence. In 58 Test appearances, Chandrasekhar amassed an impressive 242 wickets, with a career-best bowling figure of 8/79.
Last Updated: 06.53 PM, Aug 18, 2023