Mohammad Nissar, India’s first pace bowler, is regarded as one of the finest cricketers the country has ever produced. Known for his express speed and ability to swing and cut the ball, Nissar was a force to be reckoned with on the cricket field. Standing tall as a bull of a man, his sheer pace and aggressive bowling style left many batsmen in disarray.
Nissar made his mark right from the start of his career. In India’s inaugural Test at Lord’s in 1932, he wreaked havoc on the English batting line-up by knocking over the stumps of renowned opening pair Holmes and Sutcliffe, who had recently amassed a staggering 555-run partnership. Nissar finished the match with figures of 5 for 93, setting the stage for his future success.
His tour of England in 1932 proved to be a memorable one as Nissar took 71 wickets at an average of 18.09, establishing himself as one of the most dominant bowlers of his time. The following year, during the inaugural Test in India at the Brabourne Stadium against MCC, he displayed his skills once again by taking a five-wicket haul in the first innings.
Nissar’s hostility was not limited to the English batsmen alone. In the winter of 1935, he decimated the Australian team led by Jack Ryder during their tour of India, taking an astonishing 32 wickets in just four “Tests” at an average of 13 runs per wicket. His destructive performances left a lasting impression on his opponents and fans alike.
During his final tour of England, Nissar left a lasting legacy with a breathtaking spell where he grabbed four wickets in just five overs, causing a collapse in the English batting line-up. However, injuries and other factors soon led to his retirement from international cricket.
Despite his relatively short career, Nissar continued to entertain domestic audiences with his exceptional skills. In the 1938-39 season, he played a pivotal role in guiding Southern Punjab to the Ranji Trophy final, taking 17 wickets at an astonishing average of 11.94. Notably, he produced a remarkable performance of 6 for 17 against Sind in the semi-finals that ultimately propelled his team to the final.
Off the field, Nissar was admired for his sportsmanship and commitment to the game. He would always give his best, regardless of the opposition or match situation. Fans and teammates remember him as a true pioneer in the Indian cricketing landscape, and his contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.
In recognition of his remarkable career, Nissar’s journey can still be traced through the statistics and records he left behind. With 25 Test wickets to his name, including 13 bowled or leg-before dismissals, he stands as a testament to the raw talent and incredible skill possessed by this iconic figure in Indian cricket history.