Birthday special: Chandu Borde – Top 3 performances in international cricket
India’s man for many occasions, Chandu Borde, served the Indian Test team for over a decade during the ‘60s. One of the country’s leading all-rounders during his time, Borde was known for his adventurous yet impeccable batting at the top of the order for the Indian team. He was a handy leg spin bowler and bowled some memorable crucial spells for his team until a shoulder injury in 1964 restricted him. On his 89th birthday, here are some of his most invaluable contributions to the Indian team.
4/65 against England, 1961
India welcomed England at the Eden Gardens for the fourth Test of the five-match series. With the spoils being shared between the two sides on all of the previous three occasions, both teams were looking at opening their account in the series. India opted to bat first after winning the toss and scored 380 in the first innings, with Chandu Borde being the highest run scorer with 68 to his name. The all-rounder then returned to scalp four English wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 212 in reply. Borde took charge with the bat once against and scored a fluent 61 in the third innings as the visitors were set a colossal target of 421 runs. India went 1-0 up in the series by virtue of a 187-run victory on the back of Chandu Borde’s all-around heroics.
125 against West Indies, 1967
MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai hosted the third and final Test between India and West Indies in 1967. West Indies had asserted their dominance in the series by taking an unassailable 2-0 lead after winning the opening two games. India batted first in the third Test and scored 404 in the first innings on the back of a sensational 125 from Chandu Borde. He then scored another crucial 49 in the second innings as the match fizzled out to a draw. Borde, who was in the twilight of his career, once again showcased his batting prowess as he finished as the leading run-getter in the three-match Test series.
177* against Pakistan, 1961
Chandu Borde’s finest batting performance came against arch-rivals Pakistan in the fourth Test in Chennai in 1961. India were on the back foot early in the match after Pakistan posted a healthy total of 448 on the board. India, in their reply, stumbled before the duo of Polly Umrigar and Chandu Borde steadied the ship with a 177-run stand, which saw both the batters register their respective centuries. Borde was in a sensational nick and carried on batting as India declared on 539 runs. The match ended in a draw but will forever be remembered for Borde’s magnificent ton.
