Syed Kirmani joins greats of Indian cricket; to receive Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award

The former wicketkeeper batsman was unanimously nominated for the award on Thursday by the Awards Committee of the BCCI consisting of president Shashank Manohar, secretary Anurag Thakur and N Ram, editor – The Hindu. 

Kirmani made his debut against New Zealand in 1976, and equaled the then world record of six dismissals in his very next Test match. After a good start, Kirmani fumbled against the West Indies, and continued his poor form till the 1978-79 Pakistan and West Indies series. He was dropped from the squad for the 1979 World Cup, and Bharat Arun replaced him.

After a slump in his form, he propelled his career against Australia in the 1979-80 series and scored a brilliant hundred as a night watchman which helped the Indian’s to battle out the day. He also took 17 catches and effected two stumpings against Pakistan in the same season, equaling Naren Tamhane's Indian record for a single series.

In the 1983 World Cup, Syed Kirmani was adjudged the best wicket keeper and the catch of Faoud Bacchus that he took in the final against the West Indies, lives on till date. His crucial contribution of 26 valuable runs is what helped India stave off defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe in the group stage.

The former Karnataka player joins the ranks of greats such as Capt. Vijay Hazare, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and many more. He was the vice-president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association and also the chairman of the national selection committee.

The BCCI celebrates the birth centenary of Col. Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu, the country’s first Test captain, by instituting an annual Lifetime Achievement Award, to honour individuals who contribute to the development of the sport on and off the field.