Abey Kuruvilla, one of the tallest cricketers to have represented India at 6’6″, was unfortunately selected several seasons too late to the national team. Despite his towering stature, Kuruvilla was not an express bowler, relying instead on his ability to swing the ball and develop variations such as a well-disguised slower delivery.
Born and raised in Mumbai, Abey Kuruvilla honed his skills under the guidance of former English cricketer Frank Tyson as part of the BCA-Mafatlal Bowling Scheme. In the 1991-1992 season, he made his mark by taking an impressive 35 wickets for Bombay, showcasing his potential to be a valuable asset for the Indian team.
His performances in domestic cricket earned him recognition and raised expectations for his inclusion in the national team. However, Kuruvilla was repeatedly overlooked for selection, as the Indian selectors experimented with various other bowlers without much success.
Finally, in the 1996-1997 tour of the West Indies, Abey Kuruvilla got the break he had been waiting for. He emerged as a significant figure in the Indian bowling attack, making a significant contribution by taking 5 for 68 in the second innings of the third Test at Bridgetown. His brilliant bowling set up a winning position for India, although the batsmen faltered and let the advantage slip away.
Following this breakthrough performance, Kuruvilla played five more Tests against Sri Lanka, both at home and abroad. Despite the predominantly flat pitches on offer, he put in creditable performances. However, surprisingly, he was never considered for selection again.
Despite the disappointments and lack of opportunities, Abey Kuruvilla was known for his soft-spoken nature and self-effacing attitude. He remained unfazed by the rough treatment he received and maintained a humble outlook on his career. In his own words, “At least I played for a year. There are so many good cricketers who don’t get to play even one game for India. I can’t complain on that count.”
After retiring from first-class cricket after the 1999-2000 Ranji Trophy final against Hyderabad, Kuruvilla continued to serve Indian cricket in various capacities. He became a part of different selection panels and was even appointed as the head of the all-India junior selection committee for the 2011-2012 season. In 2012, he was named Mumbai’s chief selector, further contributing to the growth and development of cricket in the region.
Abey Kuruvilla’s journey as a cricketer may have been overshadowed by missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential at the international level. Nevertheless, his contributions to Indian cricket and the perseverance with which he approached his career are worth celebrating. Today, Abey Kuruvilla’s name remains etched in the annals of Indian cricket history, reminding us of the untapped talent that can sometimes go unrecognized.
