India

Salim Durani

Born: December 11, 1934, Kabul, Afghanistan

Salim Durani bio

Salim Aziz Durani, fondly known as Salim Durrani, was a phenomenal cricket player hailing from India. Born on December 4, 1934, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Durrani possessed an unpredictable genius that could turn the tide of a match with his exceptional skills with both bat and ball.

In an era where the Indian cricket team was often criticized for their stodgy and predictable approach, Durrani injected a much-needed element of excitement and aggression into the game. As an aggressive left-handed batsman, he had an uncanny ability to demolish even the best bowlers, earning himself the reputation of hitting sixes at will. Watching Durrani in full flow was a joy for cricket enthusiasts, as he effortlessly dispatched the ball to all parts of the ground.

However, it was as a bowler that Durrani initially made his mark in Indian cricket. With a seemingly lazy and nonchalant action, he consistently delivered devastating deliveries that left the batsmen befuddled. His towering height allowed him to generate impressive lift and turn, making him a fierce competitor on the field.

Durrani’s impact on the cricketing world was felt on numerous occasions. In the 1961-62 series against England, he single-handedly bowled India to victory with outstanding performances in both the Calcutta and Madras Tests, securing eight and ten wickets, respectively. Ten years later, he played a crucial role in India’s triumph over the formidable West Indies team in Port of Spain, dismissing the likes of Clive Lloyd and Gary Sobers, the latter being dismissed for a duck. Interestingly, his only Test century was scored against West Indies in 1962, highlighting his versatility as an all-rounder.

Beyond his exceptional cricketing abilities, Durrani established a unique rapport with the spectators. When he was inexplicably dropped from the Indian team for the Kanpur Test in 1973, fans took to the streets with placards and slogans, demanding his reinstatement. The adoration and support he received from the passionate cricket lovers further underscored his impact and significance in the game.

Off the field, Durrani possessed a charismatic personality and was often admired for his tall and handsome figure, leading many to draw comparisons between him and movie stars. In fact, his good looks even attracted opportunities in the film industry, and he appeared in a movie alongside renowned actress Parveen Babi during the early 1970s.

Salim Durrani’s cricketing prowess and magnetic personality continue to inspire a generation of cricketers in India. Although the statistics brilliantly showcase his achievements, it is his unpredictable genius and ability to change the course of a match that truly exemplify his legacy. Durrani’s indelible mark on Indian cricket will forever be celebrated, and his contributions to the sport remain an inspiration for future generations of players.

Salim Durani career stats

Batting stats

Batting Matches Innings Nos Runs High score Ave BF SR 100s 50s 4s 6s Ct St
Tests 29 50 2 1202 104 25.04 - - 1 7 - 15 14 0
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FC 170 275 19 8545 137* 33.37 - - 14 45 - - 144 4
List A 3 2 0 34 21 17 - - 0 0 - - 1 0
T20s - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Bowling stats

Bowling Matches Innings Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10w
Tests 29 46 6446 2657 75 6/73 10/177 35.42 2.47 85.9 2 3 1
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FC 170 - 28130 12630 484 8/99 - 26.09 2.69 58.1 - 21 2
List A 3 - 126 52 4 2/23 2/23 13 2.47 31.5 0 0 0
T20s - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Explore more cricketers