Mohammad Azharuddin, born on February 8, 1963, in Hyderabad, India, is a former Indian cricketer and one of the most stylish and elegant batsmen to have played the game. Known for his wristy strokeplay, impeccable timing, and graceful demeanor on the field, Azharuddin enjoyed a successful career with the Indian cricket team despite facing various ups and downs.
Childhood:
Mohammad Azharuddin was born into a middle-class Muslim family in Hyderabad, Telangana. His father, Mohammad Azizuddin, was an advocate, and his mother, Yousuf Sultana, was a homemaker. Azharuddin developed a passion for cricket at a young age and honed his skills by playing tennis ball cricket on the streets of Hyderabad.
Young Age:
As a teenager, Mohammad Azharuddin attended All Saints High School in Hyderabad, where he excelled in both academics and cricket. He was known for his natural talent and was soon spotted by local cricket coaches who recognized his potential. Azharuddin’s performances in school and club cricket earned him a reputation as a prodigious talent.
Professional Life:
Mohammad Azharuddin made his debut for the Indian cricket team in a Test match against England in 1984. He made an immediate impact, scoring three centuries in his first three Test matches, a feat that announced his arrival on the international stage. Azharuddin’s elegant batting style, particularly his exquisite wristwork and ability to play spin bowling, quickly made him a key member of the Indian team.
One of Mohammad Azharuddin’s most memorable performances came during the 1985-86 Test series against England, where he scored a brilliant century (121 runs) in the second Test match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. His innings helped India secure a draw and set the stage for their historic series victory.
Throughout his career, Mohammad Azharuddin established himself as one of the finest batsmen in the world. He scored over 9,000 runs in Test cricket, including 22 centuries, and over 6,000 runs in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), including 7 centuries. Azharuddin was also known for his exceptional fielding skills, particularly his prowess in the covers and slips.
Off the field, Mohammad Azharuddin was known for his calm demeanor and unflappable temperament. He captained the Indian cricket team for a significant portion of his career, leading them to several memorable victories, including series wins against England, Australia, and South Africa.
In 2000, Mohammad Azharuddin’s career was marred by controversy when he was implicated in a match-fixing scandal. He was banned from playing cricket by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and later stripped of his captaincy and banned for life by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Azharuddin denied any wrongdoing but was unable to overturn the ban.
Following his ban from cricket, Mohammad Azharuddin ventured into politics and served as a Member of Parliament from 2009 to 2014. He remained involved in cricket in various capacities, including coaching and commentary.
In 2012, the Andhra Pradesh High Court lifted Mohammad Azharuddin’s ban, allowing him to contest in BCCI elections. Since then, he has been involved in cricket administration and has also worked as a cricket commentator.
In conclusion, Mohammad Azharuddin’s journey from a talented youngster in Hyderabad to becoming one of India’s greatest batsmen and captains is a testament to his talent, determination, and resilience. Despite facing challenges and controversies, he remains a revered figure in Indian cricket history and continues to inspire cricketers around the world.
