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Dattaram Hindlekar

Overview

Dattaram Dhondu Hindlekar (1909–1949) was an Indian first-class cricketer who represented India in Test matches during the 1930s. A right-handed batsman and wicket-keeper, he was among the early generation of Indian cricketers to play Test cricket following India's elevation to Test status in 1932.

Key facts

Full name Dattaram Dhondu Hindlekar
Born 1909
Died 1949
Nationality Indian
Role Wicket-keeper, right-handed batsman
Format Test cricket, first-class cricket
National side India

Background

Hindlekar emerged as a wicket-keeper in Indian domestic cricket at a time when the game in India was transitioning from the Bombay Quadrangular and Pentangular tournaments toward the more structured Ranji Trophy, which began in 1934. He played his cricket primarily in Bombay (now Mumbai), then the principal centre of Indian cricket.

Career

Hindlekar made his Test debut for India during the 1936 tour of England, captained by the Maharajkumar of Vizianagram. He was selected as a specialist wicket-keeper and also contributed with the bat in the lower order. He returned to the Indian Test side for the 1946 tour of England, led by the Nawab of Pataudi senior, making him one of the few Indian cricketers whose international career spanned the years on either side of the Second World War, during which no Test cricket was played.

His Test appearances were limited, in keeping with the small number of Tests played by India during the period. In domestic first-class cricket, he was a regular presence in Bombay sides through the 1930s and 1940s.

Timeline

  • 1909: Born.
  • 1936: Test debut for India on the tour of England.
  • 1946: Selected for India's tour of England, captained by the Nawab of Pataudi senior.
  • 1949: Died.

Significance

Hindlekar belongs to the formative generation of Indian Test cricketers and was one of the country's earliest specialist wicket-keepers at international level. His selection across two tours of England, separated by a decade and the Second World War, illustrates the longevity of his domestic form during a period when Indian cricket was still establishing its institutional structures.

References