CB
Cricketer

Chandu Borde

Born 7 February 1934 · Maharashtra

Scored over 2,000 Test runs for India and served twice as chairman of selectors.

Chandrakant Gulabrao "Chandu" Borde, is an Indian former cricketer who played for India between 1958 and 1970. Following his retirement, he became a cricket administrator and twice served as India's chairman of selectors.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

Chandu Borde learned cricket without a formal coach, honing his skills solely by observation and relentless practice at the YMCA in Pune.

The Story

1
🌟 In December 1954, Chandu Borde made his first-class debut for Baroda against Gujarat in Ahmedabad but was bowled for a duck in the semi-final against Holkar, a humble start to his cricketing career.
2
After a shaky start in his Test debut series against the West Indies in 1958, Borde bounced back by scoring a maiden century (109) and a 96 in the final Test at Chennai, marking his arrival on the international stage.
3In 1960, during the Fourth Test against Pakistan in Madras, Borde scored his highest Test score of 177 not out, forging a 177-run partnership with Polly Umrigar, showcasing his all-round batting and bowling skills.
4🎯 Borde's critical role in India's first-ever Test victory over England in 1961 at Eden Gardens included two half-centuries and three wickets, helping India break a long-standing winless streak against England at home.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Shri

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Chandu Borde was one of the few Indian cricketers who combined a double century in first-class cricket with an eight-wicket haul in bowling, a rare all-round achievement.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Pune, Maharashtra
Chandrakant Gulabrao Borde was born into a Marathi Christian family in Pune, setting the stage for his future in Indian cricket.
1934
⚡
Career
First-class debut for Baroda
Borde played his first match for Baroda against Gujarat in Ahmedabad and participated in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Holkar.
1954
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Career
Test debut vs West Indies
Made his Test debut for India against West Indies, scoring maiden Test centuries later in the series.
1958
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Career
Key role in India’s first England Test win
Scored two half-centuries and took three wickets at Eden Gardens, contributing to India's historic Test win over England.
1961
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Career
Top batsman in New Zealand series
Led Indian batting with 242 runs at an average of 48.40 in India’s first overseas series win.
1964
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Career
Last Test match played
Played his final Test for India against Australia at Brabourne Stadium.
1969
🌟
Other
Chairman of selectors first tenure
Borde served his first term as India’s chairman of selectors, shaping team composition.
1984
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Other
Managed India’s Pakistan tour
Oversaw Indian cricket team during the 1989 Pakistan tour, witnessing Tendulkar’s Test debut.
1989
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received India’s third highest civilian award for his contributions to cricket.
2002
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Despite facing aggressive West Indies bowlers in his debut Test series in 1958, Borde was dropped after two matches but returned to score vital centuries later in the same series.

02 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Borde captained Maharashtra and was the vice-captain of India under the Nawab of Pataudi during the 1960s, a period of rising Indian cricket confidence.

03 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

He managed the 1989 India tour to Pakistan, a series notable for the Test debut of 16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar, marking a historic cricket moment.

No quote recorded for Chandu Borde yet.

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Forgotten Gems of Indian Cricket - Chandu Borde
More from this archive
Forgotten Gems of Indian Cricket - Chandu Borde
01
Forgotten Gems of Indian Cricket - Chandu Borde
The 1960s cricket stalwart Chandu Borde recalls legacy of Vijay Hazare | DD Sports
02
The 1960s cricket stalwart Chandu Borde recalls legacy of Vijay Hazare | DD Sports
थंड डोक्याने विचार करणारं व्यक्तिमत्त्व: सुनील गावसकर Chandu borde book launch
03
थंड डोक्याने विचार करणारं व्यक्तिमत्त्व: सुनील गावसकर Chandu borde book launch
A Talk with Chandu Borde || The first Indian to do 3000 run & 50 Wickets in Test Cricket || PJ Mir
04
A Talk with Chandu Borde || The first Indian to do 3000 run & 50 Wickets in Test Cricket || PJ Mir
Uddhav Thackeray and Chandu Borde on Sachin Tendulkar
05
Uddhav Thackeray and Chandu Borde on Sachin Tendulkar
1961 England India- Bombay: Budhi Kunderan, Chandu Borde, Durani, Contractor.
06
1961 England India- Bombay: Budhi Kunderan, Chandu Borde, Durani, Contractor.

🌱 What changed because of them

Chandu Borde’s dual role as a player and later as chairman of selectors influenced the shaping of Indian cricket in the 1960s through the 2000s, including the discovery of Sachin Tendulkar. His leadership in domestic cricket, especially with Maharashtra, and his administrative roles helped stabilize and professionalize team selection processes, impacting India’s cricketing strategies and talent nurturing.

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