We typically don’t celebrate the birthdays of cricketers, but when it comes to Vijay Hazare, it’s hard not to make an exception. Born on March 11, 1915, Hazare is remembered as one of India’s greatest batters, a legend whose impact on the game cannot be overstated.
What makes his story even more remarkable is the fact that he played his first Test match at the age of 31, a late start primarily due to the disruptions caused by World War II. Hazare’s debut came at the iconic Lord’s in 1946, and it wasn’t long before he announced himself as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
Vijay Hazare quickly proved his mettle, taking to cricket with remarkable ease. In 1947, during a Test in Adelaide, he scored two centuries in a single match, a feat that left an indelible mark in Indian cricket history. But he didn’t stop there. Hazare followed that up with three centuries in consecutive innings against England—a rare achievement that only a few players in history can claim.
Despite the turbulence of India’s partition and the limited number of Tests he played—just 30 in total—Hazare’s average of 47 is a testament to his undeniable talent. The circumstances surrounding his career made his success even more impressive, as he had to navigate through a world in turmoil.
Vijay Hazare passed away in 2004, but his legacy continues to shine. In 2007/08, the BCCI renamed the Ranji One Day Trophy to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, ensuring that the name of this cricketing legend would forever be etched in Indian cricket history.
