Rameshchandra Gangaram Nadkarni, more commonly known as Bapu Nadkarni, was an incredibly talented cricket player from India. Known for his left-arm spin bowling, Nadkarni was one of the game’s most notorious economists, giving away just 1.67 runs per over in his Test career.
Born on April 4, 1933, in Nashik, Maharashtra, Nadkarni’s cricketing journey began in the 1950s. He honed his skills tirelessly in the nets, conducting rigorous research and development to perfect his craft. Nadkarni’s discipline and dedication soon paid off, and he made his Test debut for India in 1955 against New Zealand.
Nadkarni’s bowling prowess was evident throughout his career. His ability to restrict batsmen to meager run totals was unmatched, earning him a reputation as one of the most economical bowlers in the history of the game. His remarkable figures of 32-24-23-0 at Kanpur and 34-24-24-1 at Delhi against Pakistan in the 1960-61 series are testament to his exceptional control and accuracy.
However, it was Nadkarni’s extraordinary performance against England at Madras in 1964 that solidified his place in cricket history. He bowled 21 consecutive maiden overs, a feat unparalleled in Test cricket, and finished with remarkable figures of 32-27-5-0. His ability to maintain quantity-control bowling was truly remarkable and earned him immense respect among his peers and fans alike.
While widely celebrated for his exceptional bowling skills, Nadkarni was also a competent all-rounder. Despite his undeniably distinctive stance at the crease, he showcased his stubbornness and resilience as a batsman. His unbeaten innings of 52 and 122 against England at Kanpur in 1963-64 highlighted his ability to score crucial runs when needed.
In his very next match, against Australia at Chennai, Nadkarni delivered his best bowling performance in Test cricket, taking 5-31 and 6-91. This remarkable feat showcased his versatility and ability to contribute with both bat and ball when his team needed him the most.
With a first-class batting average exceeding 40 and a staggering innings of 283 not out for Bombay against Delhi, Nadkarni displayed his proficiency as a dependable batsman. His remarkable statistics further emphasized his versatility and would have made him an automatic pick for one-day cricket if it had been prevalent during his time.
Off the cricket field, Nadkarni was known for his modesty and humility. Throughout his career, he remained focused and committed to the game, always striving for excellence. Even after retiring from international cricket in 1968, he continued to contribute to the sport as a coach and mentor.
Rameshchandra Gangaram Nadkarni’s legacy as one of India’s most celebrated cricketers lives on. His exceptional bowling economy, remarkable batting performances, and unwavering commitment to the game have earned him a revered place in the annals of cricket history. Today, his remarkable achievements continue to inspire and guide aspiring cricketers, cementing his status as a true legend of the game.
