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One of 17 to hit a double ton on first-class debut. His 230 for Mysore (now Karnataka) vs Andhra Pradesh in 1967-68 is the fifth highest by a first-class debutant.

He is one of 14 Indian batsmen to score a ton on Test debut, scoring 0 and 137 versus Australia at Kanpur in 1969-70. It’s the third highest score by an India batsman on Test debut.

Often shone on pitches others found tough. A match-winning 124 on a lively Madras pitch vs West Indies in 1978-79 and 83 &79vsNZona Christchurch green top (1975-76) are among them.

Always upheld spirit of the game. Recalled Bob Taylor in the Golden Jubilee Test vs England in 1979-80. It cost India the Test, one of only two he led in, but fairplay was sacred.

He retired from Tests in 1983. He served as chief selector and India team manager. Was ICC Match Referee (19992004. Received BCCI’s Col. CK Naidu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.