The Holkars, these magnificent bunch of attacking cricketers who dominated Indian cricket of their time, lend Indore, cricketing historical past and context.
Between 1941 and 52, the marauding Holkars received 4 Ranji Trophy titles and reached the ultimate on six events.
Reminiscing the Holkars, Madhya Pradesh off-spinning all-rounder from the times passed by and former National selector, Sanjay Jagdale stated, “The only way they knew to play was to attack.”
Men like C.Ok. Nayudu, an imposing cricketer, the aggressive Mushtaq Ahmed, the enticing Khandu Rangnekar and Chandu Sarwate together with his all-round skill, had been all part of Indores’s nice Holkar group.
![FILE PHOTO: Former national selector Sanjay Jagdale. FILE PHOTO: Former national selector Sanjay Jagdale.](https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j0txvj/article66583981.ece/alternates/FREE_660/image.jpg)
FILE PHOTO: Former nationwide selector Sanjay Jagdale.
| Photo Credit: Vivek Bendre / The Hindu
In reality, Jagdale’s father M.M. Jagdale, a wonderful all-rounder, was a member of the Holkar’s Invincibles.
Remembered Sanjay Jagdale, “I used to go with my father to see Holkar’s matches. I was thrilled to see that fearless brand of cricket.”
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Jagdale recalled Mushtaq Ali’s thrill-a-minute batsmanship. “What hand-eye coordination, what footwork! I would say he was India’s first Twenty20 player. The strokes Suryakumar Yadav is playing now, he used to play them then.”
Jagdale stated he spoke to and fashioned bonds with plenty of Holkar cricketers however by no means summoned the braveness to stroll as much as C.Ok. Nayudu since he was a formidable persona.
Jagdale stated, “C.K. Nayudu hit sixes with such ease even when past his prime . He was a gifted cricketer.”
![FILE PHOTO: Former Indian cricketer C.K. Nayudu. FILE PHOTO: Former Indian cricketer C.K. Nayudu.](https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/w76csv/article66583989.ece/alternates/FREE_660/nayudu.jpg)
FILE PHOTO: Former Indian cricketer C.Ok. Nayudu.
| Photo Credit: THE HINDU ARCHIVES
The genial Jagdale travelled again to a match at Mhow in opposition to an Army group on a “very bad matting wicket.”
“The manner in which Mushtaq Ali batted on that track was sensational,” he stated.
During days when a number of Kings made it to the Indian group extra on clout than advantage, Jagdale revealed Holkar’s ruler Yashwant Rao would are available an all white apparel and quietly watch the Holkars play and go away.
“And he gave a free hand to C.K. Nayudu. Never interfered.” stated Jagdale.
Along his cricketing journey, aside from his father, Sawate guided Jagdale.
The glory days of the all-conquering Holkars lend Indore a burnished cricketing lustre.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com