The Impact of Syed Abid Ali on Indian Cricket

The cricketing world mourns the loss of Syed Abid Ali, a distinguished all-rounder who played a pivotal role in Indian cricket during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Abid Ali passed away on March 12, 2025, at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, versatility, and sportsmanship.Early Life and Cricketing JourneyBorn on September 9, 1941, in Hyderabad, Abid Ali’s cricketing journey began in the by-lanes of his hometown. His exceptional fielding skills caught the attention of selectors early on, leading to his inclusion in the Hyderabad Schools team in 1956. Starting as a wicketkeeper, he soon transitioned to bowling, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to the sport.International CareerAbid Ali made his Test debut against Australia on December 23, 1967, at Adelaide. In a remarkable debut performance, he took 6 wickets for 55 runs, setting a record for the best bowling figures by an Indian on debut at that time. Throughout his career, he represented India in 29 Test matches, amassing 1,018 runs with an average of 20.36 and claiming 47 wickets. His One Day International (ODI) career, though brief, was impactful, with 93 runs and 7 wickets in 5 matches.Memorable ContributionsAbid Ali’s contributions were instrumental in some of India’s historic victories. In the 1971 series against the West Indies, he bowled pivotal deliveries that dismissed legends like Rohan Kanhai and Garry Sobers in consecutive balls, aiding India to a landmark win. Later that year, during India’s tour of England, he scored the winning boundary at The Oval, securing India’s first Test series victory on English soil.