Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu, better known as CK Nayudu, was a legendary cricket player from India who captained the national team in their first-ever Test match against England in 1932. Born on October 31, 1895, in Nagpur, Nayudu had a remarkable cricketing career that spanned over two decades.
From a young age, Nayudu showed great promise in the sport. He played for the Hislop Collegiate High School team and eventually became its captain. It was during these formative years that he developed the skills and determination that would propel him to greatness.
Nayudu’s breakthrough moment came in 1926-27 when he scored a breathtaking 153 runs, including eleven sixes and thirteen fours, in just over a hundred minutes for Hindus against the touring Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) side led by A. E. R. Gilligan. This incredible innings brought him into the limelight and marked the beginning of his remarkable journey in cricket.
In 1932, Nayudu was chosen to lead the Indian team in their inaugural Test match against England at Lord’s. Despite suffering from a painful hand injury sustained while fielding, he showcased his resilience and skill by top-scoring with 40 runs in the first innings. Although India lost the match, Nayudu’s performance stood out, earning him praise and admiration from cricket enthusiasts around the world.
Over the course of his career, Nayudu proved to be a prolific all-rounder. He was an exceptional batsman, with six centuries to his name. One of his most memorable innings came against Warwickshire, where he scored a magnificent 162 runs. Nayudu consistently displayed excellent batting averages, and in all matches combined, he maintained an impressive average of 37.59.
However, Nayudu’s talents were not limited to batting alone. He was also a fine bowler, taking 79 wickets during his career. His medium-paced bowling was accurate and often accounted for some key dismissals. In the second innings of a match against D.R. Jardine’s formidable MCC side in 1933-34, Nayudu’s exceptional spell of bowling, taking four wickets for 21 runs, played a crucial role in securing the only defeat that the MCC side faced during their tour.
Apart from his cricketing abilities, Nayudu was known for his towering height and well-proportioned build, which added to his impressive presence on the field. His exceptional fielding skills further cemented his reputation as one of India’s finest cricketers of his time.
Even though Nayudu never tasted victory in a Test match, his contributions to Indian cricket were invaluable. He played a significant role in establishing cricket as a popular sport in the country and laid the foundation for future generations of Indian cricketers to follow.
Outside of cricket, Nayudu excelled in other sports as well. He was an accomplished hockey player and also displayed his skills in association football. His athletic abilities and versatility made him a true all-around sportsman.
CK Nayudu retired from cricket in 1953, leaving behind an enduring legacy. His remarkable career served as an inspiration for generations of Indian cricketers who would go on to achieve great success on the international stage. In recognition of his contributions, Nayudu was honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in 1956.
CK Nayudu passed away on November 14, 1967, in Indore, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate cricket enthusiasts in India and beyond. His name will forever be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history as one of the pioneers and true legends of the game.
