Vijay Samuel Hazare was an Indian cricketer who left an indelible mark on the world of cricket. Born on March 11, 1915, in Indore, India, Hazare had a prolific career that spanned from the late 1930s to the early 1950s. He was known for his outstanding batting skills and his commendable contributions to Indian cricket.
Hazare rose to prominence during India’s first tour of Australia in 1947-48. In the Adelaide Test, he showcased his exceptional talent by scoring a century in each innings, despite his team facing a daunting total of 674 runs. His remarkable performance earned him recognition and cemented his reputation as a formidable batsman. Hazare continued to shine throughout his career, captaining the Indian team on 14 occasions and boasting an impressive batting average of 47.65 from 30 Tests.
While his Adelaide Test innings stood out, Hazare’s ability to perform under pressure and fight against the odds was his defining characteristic. In his first match as captain against England, he showcased his determination by scoring 56 runs against Fred Trueman’s fierce bowling attack. Another memorable innings came in 1950 when Hazare scored 115 against the Commonwealth team at Bombay. This innings was regarded as his most faultless and best, overshadowed only by Jim Laker’s phenomenal bowling performance.
During World War II, Hazare played a crucial role in keeping cricket alive in India. Alongside Vijay Merchant, he participated in run-scoring duels that attracted crowds of 20,000 to 30,000 at Bombay’s Brabourne Stadium. His most productive domestic season came in 1943-44 when he scored an astonishing 1,423 runs in just four matches, including scores of 248, 59, 309, 101, 223, and 87.
Hazare’s unorthodox style was developed under the guidance of Australian spin bowler Clarrie Grimmett, whose coaching emphasized maintaining Hazare’s unique grip and stance. Despite the criticisms of purists, Hazare remained resolute in his approach, and it proved to be successful throughout his career.
Not only was Hazare an exceptional batsman, but he also made significant contributions with his medium-pace leg-cutters. In the 1947-48 Adelaide Test, he bowled Don Bradman, a moment he cherished, although Bradman had already scored a double century. Another notable dismissal of Bradman occurred in a low-scoring match at Sydney where India led for the first time in the series.
Off the field, Hazare was known for his reserved and laconic nature. He seldom engaged in conversation and preferred to let his performances do the talking. He focused on his game and maintained a serious and determined approach throughout his career.
Vijay Samuel Hazare’s impact on Indian cricket cannot be understated. His remarkable performances and unwavering dedication to the game paved the way for future generations of cricketers. With a first-class average approaching 58 and 60 centuries to his name, Hazare will always be remembered as one of India’s finest batsmen. His legacy lives on through his contributions to the sport, and his name will forever be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history.
