Glory days of all-conquering Holkars

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.Okay. Nayudu, an imposing cricketer, the aggressive Mushtaq Ahmed, the engaging  Khandu Rangnekar and Chandu Sarwate along with his all-round means, have been all part of Indores’s nice Holkar crew.

FILE PHOTO: Former nationwide selector Sanjay Jagdale.
| Photo Credit: Vivek Bendre / The Hindu

In reality, Jagdale’s father M.M. Jagdale, a superb 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.Okay. Nayudu since he was a formidable character.

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.Okay. Nayudu.
| Photo Credit: THE HINDU ARCHIVES

The genial Jagdale travelled again to a match at Mhow in opposition to an Army crew 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 crew extra on clout than benefit, Jagdale revealed Holkar’s ruler Yashwant Rao would are available in 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, other than his father, Sawate guided Jagdale. 

The glory days of the all-conquering Holkars lend Indore a burnished cricketing lustre.