Devang Gandhi: 9 points that encompasses a career of mediocrity

Devang Jayant Gandhi, born September 6, 1971 is a former Indian batter, who was initially reckoned to have a water-tight technique but soon crumbled under the short stuff. The yesteryears Ranji pro has scored gallons of runs in domestic cricket but his International career belittled him. He scored a meagre 204 runs in Tests in 4 matches at an average of 34. Ankit Banerjee chops-down his journey till date in this piece.

1.  Chin music

Gandhi had a serious problem while combating bouncers and the bowlers spotted that early which brought an early close to his career as he could not flourish overseas.

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2.  The triple

Gandhi also scored a triple ton for Bengal against Assam in 1998-99. Ironically it till date remains as the only triple hundred for Bengal. He slammed 323.

3.  Quick finish

Against New Zealand Gandhi’s career got off to a moderate start when he scored two back to back half tons, but soon after that in Australia against the likes of Glen McGrath he faltered and that ensured an early exit too.

4.  Breeding ground

Devang Gandhi started of his own cricket academy in Bengal to nurse young talent and provide breeding atmosphere for their welfare.

5.  First-Class

Gandhi was the mainstay for years in the Bengal outfit where he laboured tons on a spree. He averaged 42 in 12 long First Class seasons apart from piloting Bengal to the Deodhar trophy crown in 2004.

6.  Kiwi Duck

Gandhi’s international career got off to the worst possible start when he was sent packing for a duck in the first innings against New Zealand at Chandigarh.

7.  Gandhi’s corner 

Devang Gandhi in an interview once reckoned that his best knock was the one at Kanpur where he scored 88 against the Kiwi’s and was involved in a partnership of 126 runs with Sadagoppan Ramesh.

8.  Bengal and Bengal

Gandhi opened batting with Sourav Ganguly in an ODI against New Zealand Kotla in 1999-00. Till date this is the only instance of two batsmen from Bengal opening an innings for India in international cricket.

9.  Abhishek Jhunjhunwala

The large-hearted Gandhi offered his spot to another upcoming Bengal talent on the eve of a Ranji match, his partner from Sporting Union and he left the game silently. 

(A cricket geek to the tee, Ankit Banerjee smokes and snorts it all day long. The romance with the sport incepted since the 1996 World Cup semi-final. He is a winner of the 2011 edition of the All-India college cricket quiz.)