Cricket is a wonderful game and I followed him for nearly 4 decades plus. Over the years, I have watched countless test matches and witnessed some really big changes. However, the changes that created the most profound impact on me was one Gundappa Vishwanath played against West Indies 1974th India's captain of the Nawab of Pataudi and this was the fourth test in the series.
is awesome West Indies pace attack led by Andy Roberts and Holding. It was a tough team. Pataudi won the toss and elected to bat. Maybe the game plan was to ensure that West Indies batted last, when the ground was expected to help the Indian spinners Prasanna and Bedi. But the game plan appeared to collapse as West Indies pace bowlers set up furious show.
Indian openers quickly stepped back and Vishy in.Mark you all, he batted without a helmet. At the moment he took command with some exiqusite shots.I remember one squre cut Roberts who sped to the boundary as greased lightening. It was like hitting authoratative that I saw. But wickets continued to tumble at the other end and soon India is a pathetic score of 118 for 8.Sikh Bishen Singh Bedi stepped in and was a finish as Vishy cut and pulled fast bowlers with magical ease.
the pace bowlers now resorted to short ptched things, but Vishy keep nerves and played some glorious shots.I think of a hook shot from Roberts who left fielders standing as Vishy approached his table. But the tail enders were quickly gobbled and India folded to 190 all out. Vishwanath played sterling exchange is 97 and was not coming. Tony cozier West Indian correspondent opined that this 97 was more than a century as Vishy has proved that he was master of all and sundry that sunny day at Chepauk. This is a lesson in hitting and up to fast bowling, which can never be Forgotton.
India won the test, thanks to this change and Vishy. Pataudi spinners Prasanna arranged and decorated beautifully and the West India lost a test of 100 runs. However, this change of Vishwanath must rank as one of the all time great innings. Let us remove our hats to one of the greats of Indian cricket.
