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Video: India’s first great all-rounder Vinoo Mankad assessing youngsters in nets

When he reached the 1,000 run-100 wicket double in Tests, Vinoo Mankad was the quickest to do so.

Vinoo Mankad
Vinoo Mankad was one of the talismanic all-rounders to have played for India © Youtube

Mulvantrai Himmatlal Mankad — popularly known by his nickname Vinoo—was one of the talismanic all-rounders to have played for India. Prolific right-handed batsman, wily slow left-arm orthodox and an athletic fielder, he has taken his team to the doorstep of victory on many occasions. His numbers speak volumes about his extraordinary cricketing skills. In 44 matches he played for India, he has plundered 2,109 runs at an impressive average of 31.47, with a staggering highest of 231 against New Zealand. This is the very innings he stitched up a record-breaking partnership of 413 with Pankaj Roy for the first wicket. Here’s a video of the legendary all-rounder assessing the young guns in the nets: Hiralal Gaekwad: the southpaw who lost out to Vinoo Mankad

When it comes to his superior bowling skills, he scalped 162 wickets at a commendable average of 32.32 and even more swaggering economy of 2.13. He is most famous for scoring 72 and 184 against England at Lord’s back in 1952. To add more to the fire, he bowled 97 overs and bagged 5 wickets conceding 231 runs. Dream Team: A Test XI of all-rounders

He was one of the brilliant captain India has ever produced. He was renown for his solid defence and ability to stay at the crease for hours. Moreover, he nicely blended defence with power-hitting every time there was a lose ball on offer. As he bowler, he had a simple yet deceitful action. With excellent change of pace, he dismantled the defence of the best of the batsmen. Indeed he was one of the finest athlete to have graced this beautiful game of cricket. Such was the swagger of this cricketing genius!

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