Chandra Shelar

Born on 26th June 1978, Chandra Shelar’s journey from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the prestigious international cricketing arena is nothing short of inspiring. His early encounters with cricket, like those of many Indian youth, began in the cramped bylanes of his neighbourhood, where improvised pitches and makeshift bats came to life. It was here that Chandra honed his skills, displaying an innate knack for both batting and bowling that would later define his career as an accomplished allrounder.

After excelling in local tournaments, his undeniable talent caught the attention of state selectors, propelling him into domestic cricket where he made his professional debut in 1995. Playing for Mumbai, Chandra’s prowess as a right-handed batsman and a right-arm fast-medium bowler quickly became evident. By 1998, he made his much-anticipated debut for the national team, marking the start of a glorious chapter in Indian cricket.

Throughout his career, Chandra was instrumental in several crucial victories. His exceptional performance during the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup saw him securing pivotal wickets and chipping in with crucial runs, helping India reach the finals. Chandra's ability to swing the ball at a ferocious pace often left oppositions in disarray, while his batting, marked by a fluid technique and aggressive mindset, delighted fans and pundits alike.

One of Chandra's most memorable matches came against traditional rivals, Pakistan, in the 2004 Multan Test. His fierce rivalry with Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar became a spectacle within the larger contest, with both players pushing each other to their limits. In that match, Chandra’s agile 75 under pressure and a five-wicket haul exemplified his tenacity and skill, ensuring a historic victory for his team.

A hallmark of Chandra's style was his precise line and length with the ball, combined with an ability to extract unexpected bounce, often catching batsmen off-guard. As a batter, his powerful strokes, particularly through the off-side, were a testament to his attacking instincts.

Beyond statistics and accolades, Chandra Shelar’s true impact on the game lies in his resilience and unwavering spirit. His journey from the chawls of Mumbai to international prominence provided hope and inspiration to countless aspiring cricketers. Today, even after retirement, he remains a pivotal figure in cricketing circles, inspiring the next generation not just by his past exploits but by his enduring passion for the game.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats