Cottari Subbanna Nayudu, popularly known as CS Nayudu, was a renowned Indian cricket player. Born on October 31, 1914, in Indore, India, he emerged as one of the notable all-rounders of his time. Despite being overshadowed by his older brother, CK Nayudu, who became India’s first Test captain, CS Nayudu created his own legacy in the sport.
CS Nayudu had a distinguished career in the Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic cricket competition. He represented various teams throughout his career, including Central Provinces and Berar, Central India, Baroda, Holkar, Bengal, and the three Pradeshes – Andhra, Uttar, and Madhya. From the season of 1931-32 to 1961-62, he played a remarkable 56 Trophy games. With his leg-breaks and googlies, he claimed a total of 295 wickets, averaging at an impressive 23.49.
Notably, CS Nayudu became the first player to take 40 wickets in a Ranji Trophy season during the 1942-43 edition. His record-breaking performance came in just four games, representing Baroda. Additionally, in the 1944-45 final, playing for his brother’s Holkar team against Bombay, he delivered an astonishing 917 balls, making it a world record. Despite conceding a significant number of runs, his talent and resilience shone through.
CS Nayudu’s prowess extended beyond bowling as he contributed with the bat as well. Throughout his Ranji Trophy career, he scored 2,575 runs at an average of 30.20. His ability to score centuries was evident, with four centuries to his name. His highest score of 127 came against Rajputana during the 1942-43 season.
While his domestic career was exceptional, CS Nayudu’s Test career did not yield the same level of success. He played a total of 11 Test matches, with only three of those played at home. The rest took place in England in 1936 and 1946, as well as in Australia in 1947-48. Unfortunately, his performance in Test matches did not reflect his domestic brilliance. In the four Tests played in Australia, he failed to claim a single wicket and only managed to score a mere 18 runs. His unorthodox bowling technique, characterized by a low body position during delivery, often resulted in inconsistent length and direction.
Despite the challenges faced at the international level, CS Nayudu continued to contribute significantly to the sport in India. His impact on Indian cricket cannot be denied, especially when considering his exceptional domestic career. He was a valuable player for his various teams and a respected figure in the cricketing fraternity.
Cottari Subbanna Nayudu passed away on November 22, 2002, in Indore at the age of 88. His contributions to Indian cricket will always be remembered, and he will forever be regarded as one of the pioneers of the sport in the country.