Roshan Harshadlal Shodhan, also known as Deepak Shodhan, was an enigmatic and talented cricketer hailing from India. Born on October 18, 1928, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Shodhan’s cricketing journey was both remarkable and fleeting.
Shodhan burst onto the international cricket scene with a bang, making his debut against Pakistan in the fifth Test at Calcutta during the 1952-53 series. Batting at No. 8, with the Indian team reeling at 179 for 6, Shodhan showcased his incredible prowess with the bat. He not only led the recovery but also became the first player to score a century in his maiden Test innings for India. His splendid knock of 110 helped India post a formidable total of 397.
The left-handed batting maestro’s stellar debut earned him immediate recognition, heralding a bright future for Indian cricket. In the subsequent tour of West Indies, Shodhan continued to impress, contributing crucial knocks of 45 and 11 in the first Test at Port-of-Spain. Unfortunately, injuries kept him out of the next three matches. Making a comeback in the final Test, Shodhan had yet another setback as he fell ill and was unable to bat in the first innings. Determined to make a difference, he recovered from his sickness and batted at No. 10 in the second innings, scoring an unbeaten 15. This contribution at a critical juncture saved India from a potential defeat.
Despite his early success and promise, Shodhan’s international career was shockingly short-lived. After representing India in just three Tests, scoring a total of 181 runs at an average of over 60, he was never given another opportunity to play for the national team. Nevertheless, he continued to exhibit his skills in domestic cricket, participating in the prestigious Ranji Trophy until the early 1960s. Throughout his first-class career, which spanned from 1946 to 1962, Shodhan compiled an impressive record of 1235 runs at an average of 33.37 and also showcased his bowling abilities by taking 59 wickets at 30.32 with his left-arm medium pace.
Tragically, Shodhan’s cricketing journey came to an end on May 16, 2016, when he passed away at the age of 87 after battling lung cancer. Despite his limited international exposure, his impact on Indian cricket remains significant. Shodhan’s extraordinary debut century and his consistent performances in domestic cricket cemented his name in the history of the sport. His contribution to the game and the memories he created on the field will forever be cherished by cricket enthusiasts.
Deepak Shodhan, with his immense talent and unfortunate brevity in the international arena, will forever remain an intriguing figure in the annals of Indian cricket. His story serves as a reminder that greatness can sometimes take on ephemeral forms, leaving an everlasting legacy in the hearts and minds of those who witnessed his brilliance.
