D.N. Sardesai Biography

D.N. Sardesai is a former Indian Test cricketer whose immense contribution with the bat has turned many a match in favor of India. His full name is Dilip Narayan Sardesai and he was born on 8th August, 1940 in Margao, Goa, India.

Over the years, Sardesai pursued his interests in cricket, beginning his career playing in the inter-university Rohinton Baria trophy, then in the Board President’s XI against Pakistan, moving on to play thrilling first-class cricket for Bombay in the Ranji Trophy. His notable performances soon saw him selected for the national team and thus began his international cricketing career.

The only Goan-born cricketer to play for India, Sardesai was an effective right-handed wristy batsman who had sound technical skill and the ability to play both spin and pace bowling. D.N. Sardesai’s first-class career span extended from 1960-1973 where he played 179 matches, scoring a stunning 10230 runs. Dilip Sardesai made his Test debut playing against England at Kanpur in December 1961 and since then has played 30 Tests scoring 2001 runs with five centuries with his highest score being 212 runs. His most notable performances include the five Test series with England (1963/64) where he scored 449 runs; against New Zealand (1964/65) at home where he scored a double century and an amazing comeback after his recall to the team, in the tour of West Indies (1971/72). In that brilliant series Sardesai went on to hit an amazing 642 runs that also resulted in India’s first victory over West Indies in a series. The 1971 series win over England at the Oval also showcased Sardesai’s contribution.

After retiring from International cricket, Dilip Sardesai played 13 seasons for Bombay at the domestic level, with noted performances in the Ranji trophy.

For his immense contribution to Indian cricket, D.N. Sardesai was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1970. His outstanding performances in the 1971 West Indies tour earned him the proud title of the ‘Renaissance man of Indian cricket’, from the then chairman of selectors, Vijay Merchant.