Salim Durani’s pranks Vasant Ranjane mid-air in the flight

Vasant Ranjane played seven Tests for Indian between 1958 and 1964.

Vasant Ranjane played seven Tests for Indian between 1958 and 1964. A fast bowler who played for Maharashtra, Ranjane was a man of modest means, working in Railways as a fitter. In the era he played, international matches were few and far in between. Players travelled mostly in train to play domestic cricket.

Ranjane was picked for the 1961-62 tour of the West Indies and it was the first time he boarded a flight in his life. Ranjane was smoking when the “No smoking” sign was flashed in the aircraft. According to Salim Durani, he saw Ranjane fidgeting with the window. When asked what he trying to do, Ranjane replied: “I want to throw the cigarette away and this window would not open.”

Durani told him that the rain water may have jammed the windows and he should try the front window. Ranjane innocently went ahead and tried to open the window at the height of 35,000 feet. The Indian team members were rolled in laughter seeing Ranjane fall for the prank.