Double century in front of Don Bradman, how Vijay Hazare created history? For whose trophy Kohli-Rohit made records

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Vijay Hazare Trophy is in discussion. In the cricket match being held in their name, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma batted brilliantly and new records were created. Whenever great batsmen are mentioned in the history of Indian cricket, Vijay Hazare’s name is taken with respect. He was a player of an era when there was neither glamor nor abundance of media and advertising. Nevertheless, with his discipline, simplicity, struggle and amazing batting, he gave a new identity to Indian cricket.

Vijay Hazare was not only an excellent batsman, but also a calm person, full of moral values. Many such interesting stories are associated with his life, which even today inspire players and common people. Come, on this pretext, let us know interesting stories related to Vijay Hazare and his life.

Early life and association with cricket

Vijay Samuel Hazare was born on 11 September 1915 in a middle-class family in Sangli, Maharashtra. At that time India was a slave of the British and the British also had dominance in sports. Financial resources were limited, but Hazare had a great passion for cricket. It is said that in his childhood, he used to improve his batting with an ordinary bat and matches played in the streets.

Somehow, along with studies, he made cricket the center of his life. In that era, professional coaching and modern facilities were almost non-existent, yet he took his game to the heights through self-discipline and self-study.Hazare’s talent soon got recognized at the local level. Gradually he traveled the journey to club cricket, then first-class cricket and finally to the Indian team. This journey was not easy, but his quiet determination made him overcome every difficult path.

Vijay Hazare scored two centuries against Australia in the same match, one of which was a memorable double century. Photo: Getty Images

India’s reliable batsmen in test cricket

Vijay Hazare played Test cricket for India at a time when the Indian team was often considered weak. He played tough matches against strong teams like Australia, England and West Indies. Hazare’s biggest specialty was to survive and play in difficult situations. When the Indian team lost wickets quickly, Hazare would stand at the crease like a wall. There may be less drama in his batting, but his technique, patience and accurate shot selection made him a legend.

In countries like England and Australia, which are considered to be heaven for bounce and swing bowlers, Hazare proved that Indian batsmen are not only players of home pitches by scoring half-centuries and centuries. His innings became an example for the coming generations.

Vijaya Hajare Trophy

Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Double century in front of Don Bradman

The most famous story of Vijay Hazare’s life is related to his double century. This was the time when the great Australian batsman Don Bradman was the biggest star of cricket. Hazare scored two centuries against Australia in the same match, one of which was a memorable double century. It is said that the Indian team was in a weak position in that match. Indian batsmen were struggling against the best bowlers in the world. In such a situation, Hazare not only played solidly but also scored runs with dignity.

Australian spectators used to take Indian batsmen lightly, but Hazare’s innings changed their perception. Don Bradman also praised Hazare’s game. This was a huge honor at that time, because Bradman praised very few players openly. This story tells us that true talent breaks boundaries and prejudices. Without any fanfare, without any show, on the strength of his work alone, Vijay Hazare showed the world that Indian batsmen can also achieve greatness.

Shining stars of Ranji Trophy

Along with Test cricket, Hazare was also a big name in domestic cricket. He scored innumerable runs in Ranji Trophy. Many times he single-handedly overpowered the opposition team. An interesting anecdote related to a Ranji match is often narrated. The opposing team had made a big score in the first innings and they believed that now they had complete control over the match. In response, the batsmen were getting out quickly. Hazare came to the crease in this hour of crisis. He started with utmost restraint, then gradually increased the run speed.

He completed his century by staying at the crease the whole day. Fellow players sitting in the dressing room say that his innings was so calm that from outside it did not appear that there was any tension in the match. Ultimately, on the strength of his innings, the team came back from the brink of defeat and saved the match. This story tells that Hazare was adept not only in playing shots but also in understanding and handling the match situation.

Simplicity and balance as captain

Vijay Hazare also captained the Indian team. During his time, Indian cricket was not strong administratively and financially. Facilities were limited, journeys were long and players played amidst many difficulties. Hazare had a very calm nature as a captain. He did not put unnecessary pressure on the players, but rather inspired them with his behaviour. Many young players of the team used to say that Hazare never scolded them, but used to call them separately and explain where improvements were needed.

Once a young batsman lost his wicket by playing a careless shot. The team was internally disappointed, but Hazare just told the player in the dressing room тАУ You have a lot of talent, don’t waste it in a hurry. If you give respect to each ball in the next innings, the runs will come automatically. This sentence became a lifelong lesson for that player. In the next match, he played a brilliant innings by playing patiently. This soft but precise guidance of Hazare made him a captain of a different level.

Humility and honesty are his biggest identity.

Vijay Hazare always kept distance from the glitter of his times. Neither was his nature ostentatious, nor did he boast of his achievements. According to one incident, a journalist asked him тАУ How do you feel when people call you India’s most reliable batsman? Hazare smiled and said тАУ I just want that when the team sees me at the crease, they feel that there is still hope left.

If they think so, then that is my biggest achievement. His humility shows that true greatness is reflected in a person’s behavior and not just in runs or records. There are many stories of his honesty also. Once in a domestic match, the umpire gave him not out, even though he knew that the ball had been caught after hitting his bat. He himself returned to the pavilion. Later, when fellow players asked, he said тАУ First of all it is important to be honest with yourself on the field. Victory or defeat comes later.

Example of discipline amidst conflicts

Vijay Hazare’s career was not full of financial prosperity. There were no big contracts and leagues like today. Despite this he never compromised with his game. He laid great emphasis on regular practice. Be it rain, heat or the fatigue of long journeys, he would definitely spend his time in the nets. This habit of his shows that success does not come suddenly, but is achieved through small daily efforts. Many times, during foreign tours, Indian players faced problems with food, weather and facilities. But Hazare never complained. They used to say тАУ We are playing here for the honor of our country. Difficulties are not with us, they are in front of us. We have to overcome them.

Inspiration for future generations

Vijay Hazare’s life is not just a story of cricket statistics, but it is a story of patience, ingenuity and commitment. We can learn many important things from his life. Even amidst limited facilities, he elevated his game. Even in difficult situations, he remained calm and fought for the team. Despite having big records, he always remained simple and down to earth. Be it the umpire’s decision or accepting his own mistake, Hazare kept the spirit of the game paramount.

Vijay Hazare is one of the great pillars of Indian cricket on which today’s glittering cricket edifice stands. He left his mark at a time when there was no technology, no modern training, yet he stood strong against the best bowlers in the world. His double century, brilliant innings in Ranji Trophy, calm leadership and simple life, all together make him an ideal personality. Vijay Hazare’s life gives us the message that true success is that which is achieved through hard work, honesty and humility. Therefore, whenever there is mention of the heroes who laid the foundation of Indian cricket, Vijay Hazare’s name should be taken with pride and gratitude. His life and stories will always inspire the coming generations.

Also read: Why did Atal Bihari avoid the question related to China in the House on Nehru’s request?

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