Bhausaheb Babasaheb Nimbalkar, hailing from India, is a legendary cricket player who etched his name in the cricketing world with his incredible feat of scoring 443 not out for Maharashtra against Kathiawar in a Ranji Trophy match at Pune in 1948-49. Although this mammoth innings remains the fourth highest in first-class cricket, Nimbalkar’s illustrious career extends far beyond this remarkable achievement.
Born on October 2, 1919, in Poona, Bhausaheb Nimbalkar displayed immense talent and passion for cricket from a young age. Throughout his career that spanned from the late thirties to the early sixties, he showcased his exceptional batting skills while representing not just one but six teams across the national competition. With an impressive aggregate of 3687 runs at an average of 56.72, including 11 centuries, Nimbalkar established himself as one of the most outstanding batsmen in the history of the Ranji Trophy.
Despite his remarkable performances, it remains perplexing that Nimbalkar never received the opportunity to represent India in an official Test match. His contributions to the country’s cricket were limited to a solitary appearance against the first Commonwealth team in 1949-50, during which he scored a respectable 48 runs. Regardless, he continued to be a prolific run-getter throughout his first-class career, accumulating a total of 4577 runs at an impressive average of 52.01, with 12 centuries to his name.
However, the captivating tale of Bhausaheb Nimbalkar’s cricketing career centers around two unforgettable days in December 1948. Facing Kathiawar, Nimbalkar delivered a performance that still holds the record for the highest score by an Indian in first-class cricket. Pushing beyond the boundaries of excellence, he, along with KV Bhandarkar, formed a stupendous partnership of 455 runs for the second wicket. This incredible record stood as an Indian first-class record for an astounding 43 years.
At 443 not out, Nimbalkar was in close proximity to the then-world record score of 452 by the legendary Don Bradman, established 19 years earlier. Yet, much to his disappointment, the Kathiawar captain, Thakore Sahib of Rajkot, surprisingly chose to concede the match when Maharashtra’s score reached a formidable 826 for 4. As a result, Nimbalkar was unjustifiably robbed of the opportunity to claim a world record and etch his name in cricketing history even more deeply.
Bhausaheb Nimbalkar’s talent and determination, evident in his exceptional batting performances, made him a revered figure in the cricketing world. His astounding record in the Ranji Trophy, coupled with his memorable innings of 443 not out, solidifies his status as a cricketing icon in India. Despite the lack of recognition at the national level, his contributions to the sport remain unparalleled and continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
