Down the years

DILIP VENGSARKAR

BORN: April 6, 1956 PLACE: Rajapur, Maharashtra

1975

He burst into the limelight with a brilliant 110 for Bombay in the Irani Cup match against Rest of India in Nagpur taking on Bishan Singh Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna at their peak.

1976

Made his Test debut against New Zealand in Auckland.

1977

It was not until India's five-Test series on the tour of Australia that he established himself as an integral part of India's middle-order. He scored 320 runs in the series.

1979

He was involved in a 344-run n stand with Sunil Gavaskar in Kolkata. He scored 157*, his first Test century. It was his 17th Test. An unbeaten 146 against Pakistan at Kotla almost saw India chase down 390 on the final day. It was his fifth century of the year.

1983

He was part of India's first World Cup-winning team but did not contribute much with the bat. He missed the final due to illness.

1986

His 126* at Lord's made him the only visiting batsman to score three centuries at the venue. The record remains untouched till date.

1987

He was named skipper of the India team replacing Kapil Dev and led India in 10 Tests.

1989

He was removed as India skipper after a controversial tour of the USA to play friendly matches.

1992

He played his last Test against Australia in Perth scoring 158 runs in the five-Test series.