Vijay Hazare, Cricketer
Cricketer

Vijay Hazare

Born 11 March 1915 · Gujarat — Died 18 December 2004

Led India to its first Test cricket victory against England in 1951–52 at Madras.

Vijay Samuel Hazare was an Indian cricketer. He captained India in 14 matches between 1951 and 1953. In India's 25th Test match, nearly 20 years after India achieved Test status, he led India to its first Test cricket win in 1951–52 against England at Madras, winning by an innings and eight runs in a match that began on the day that King George VI died. He received the C.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

Vijay Hazare’s 300-run partnership with his brother Vivek in 1943–44 had him scoring 266 runs, an astonishing 88.6% of the stand, setting a record for the highest proportion of runs in a partnership by one player.

The Story

1
In December 1951, Vijay Hazare captained India to its first-ever Test match victory at Madras, winning by an innings and eight runs against England, a match that coincided with the death of King George VI.
2
🌟 In the 1939–40 season, Hazare scored an unbeaten 316 for Maharashtra against Poona, marking the first triple century by an Indian batsman in first-class cricket.
3During the Bombay Pentangular in 1943–44, Hazare scored 309 runs in a losing cause for The Rest, with his 79.84% contribution to his team's total setting a world record for the highest percentage score in an innings by a player on the losing side.
4In 1947–48, Hazare became the first Indian cricketer to score centuries in both innings of a Test match, hitting 116 and 145 against Australia in Adelaide, facing the legendary Invincibles team.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Shri

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

In the 1943–44 Bombay Pentangular, Hazare scored 309 out of 387 runs for The Rest, setting a world record by scoring 79.84% of his team’s runs, the highest by a player in a losing cause.

🖼️

Through the Years

1 photograph from the archives
Vijay Hazare bowling during the 2nd Test against Australia in Sydney (1947)
Vijay Hazare bowling during the 2nd Test against Australia in Sydney (1947)
1947

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth of Vijay Hazare in Sangli
Born into a Marathi Christian family in Sangli, Bombay Presidency, British India, Vijay Hazare entered the world on March 11, 1915.
1915
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Career
Scores first triple century for Maharashtra
Hazare scored 316 not out against Poona in the 1939–40 season, marking the first triple century by an Indian batsman in first-class cricket.
1939
⚡
Career
Scores 309 in Bombay Pentangular
Hazare scored 309 runs for The Rest against The Hindus, contributing 79.84% of his team's runs in a record-setting losing effort.
1943
⚡
Career
Centuries in both innings against Australia
Hazare scored 116 and 145 in Adelaide, becoming the first Indian to make centuries in both innings of a Test match.
1947
⚡
Career
India's first Test win under Hazare
As captain, Hazare led India to a historic victory over England at Madras in December 1951, India’s first Test match win after nearly 20 years of Test status.
1951
🏅
Award
Receives C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award
The BCCI honored Hazare with its highest accolade for former players, recognizing his contributions to Indian cricket.
1996
🕊️
Death
Death of Vijay Hazare
Hazare passed away in Vadodara, Gujarat, at the age of 89 on December 18, 2004, closing a chapter on an era of Indian cricket.
2004
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Hazare dismissed Donald Bradman three times in his career, an exceptional feat given Bradman’s legendary status.

02 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

During World War II, when Test cricket was suspended, Hazare scored six double centuries as India uniquely maintained uninterrupted first-class cricket competitions.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He was the first Indian to score centuries in both innings of a Test match in 1947–48 against Australia’s Invincibles.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Vijay Hazare | Legendary Cricketer | Part 4 | Radio Autobiography

🌱 What changed because of them

Vijay Hazare’s leadership secured India’s maiden Test victory, breaking a near 20-year drought and shifting the nation’s cricketing aspirations. His prolific batting feats, especially during wartime, kept Indian domestic cricket vibrant, influencing generations of players. The BCCI’s C. K. Nayudu Award, which he received, continues to recognize excellence in Indian cricket, linking his legacy to present-day honors.

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