D. B. Deodhar, Cricketer
Cricketer

D. B. Deodhar

Born 14 January 1892 · Maharashtra — Died 24 August 1993

He was the first Indian cricketer to play first-class cricket for over 35 years from 1911 to 1948.

Deodhar was born in Poona (now Pune),. He was a professor of Sanskrit at Pune College. Popularly known as the Grand Old Man of Indian Cricket, Deodhar was an aggressive right-hand batsman and a leg-break bowler. He captained Maharashtra in Ranji Trophy matches from 1939 to 1941. In his first-class career, he played 81 matches, scoring 4,522 runs at an average of 39.32 with a highest score of 246.

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A detail that
surprised us

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At 53, Deodhar scored centuries in both innings of a Ranji Trophy match in 1944, a rare achievement for a player of that age.

The Story

1
🎂 Born in Poona on 14 January 1892, Dinkar Balwant Deodhar started his first-class cricket career in 1911, the same year he appeared in the Bombay Triangular tournament, marking the dawn of his long cricket journey.
2
🏏 In 1944, at the age of 53, Deodhar scored centuries in both innings of a Ranji Trophy match against Nawanagar, a feat that helped Maharashtra secure victory and showcased his enduring skill.
3From 1939 to 1941, he captained Maharashtra's Ranji Trophy team, steering them through crucial matches and exemplifying leadership well into his late 40s.
4📚 Outside cricket, Deodhar was a Sanskrit professor at Pune College, balancing academia with an extensive cricket career spanning 37 years until 1948.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1965
Padma Shri
1991
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Deodhar played first-class cricket before World War I in 1911 and continued after World War II in 1946, a span rare among cricketers bridging both global conflicts.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Poona (Pune), Maharashtra
Dinkar Balwant Deodhar was born in Poona, British India, laying the foundation for a life intertwined with cricket and academics.
1892
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Career
First-class cricket debut
Deodhar appeared in the Bombay Triangular tournament, marking his entry into first-class cricket.
1911
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Career
Captaincy of Maharashtra Ranji team
He captained Maharashtra in Ranji Trophy matches from 1939 to 1941, demonstrating leadership on the field.
1939
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Career
Dual centuries in Ranji Trophy at age 53
Scored centuries in both innings against Nawanagar, an exceptional performance for a player over 50 years old.
1944
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Career
Retirement from first-class cricket
Ended a first-class cricket career spanning 37 years, an unusually long tenure for a sportsman.
1948
🏅
Award
Padma Shri Award
Received the Padma Shri from the Government of India, recognizing his contributions to sport.
1965
🏅
Award
Padma Bhushan Award
Honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, late in life.
1991
🕊️
Death
Death at age 101
Passed away in Pune after a century-long life, noted as the first Indian first-class cricketer to reach 100 years.
1993
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
👤PERSONAL

He lived to be 101 years old, becoming the first Indian first-class cricketer known to reach a centenarian age.

02 / 04
👤PERSONAL

His daughters, Tara, Sunder, and Suman Deodhar, were all former National Badminton Champions of India, indicating a family legacy in sports beyond cricket.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Deodhar’s highest first-class score was 246 runs, showcasing his ability to play long, high-scoring innings.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
D.B. Deodhar | Grand Old Man of Cricket | His Performance in 1940s

🌱 What changed because of them

Deodhar’s long career bridging pre- and post-independence cricket inspired multi-generational players, while his leadership roles shaped the Maharashtra Cricket Association and the national team’s selection processes. The Deodhar Trophy, named after him, institutionalized his name in Indian cricket, fostering inter-zonal competition since 1973.

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