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Deepak Shodhan

Deepak Govindji Shodhan was an Indian first-class cricketer who represented India in Test matches during the early 1950s. A left-handed batsman and occasional left-arm medium-pace bowler, he is remembered for scoring a century on his Test debut, an achievement that placed him in a select group of Indian cricketers.

Key Facts
Full name Deepak Govindji Shodhan
Born 1928
Died 2016
Nationality Indian
Batting Left-handed
Bowling Left-arm medium
Domestic team Gujarat
Format Test cricket, first-class cricket

Background

Shodhan was born in 1928 and came up through the cricket structures of western India. He played his domestic cricket for Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy, the premier first-class competition in India, where he established himself as a dependable left-handed batsman.

International career

Shodhan made his Test debut for India against Pakistan in the 1952–53 home series. In his first Test innings, he scored a century, becoming one of the few Indian batsmen to achieve a hundred on debut. Despite this auspicious start, his Test career was brief, spanning only a small number of matches in the early 1950s, including appearances during India's tour of the West Indies in 1952–53.

Domestic career

At the first-class level, Shodhan had a longer career with Gujarat, contributing as a top- or middle-order batsman. He also bowled left-arm medium pace as a part-time option. His domestic record formed the basis of his selection to the national side.

Significance

Shodhan's debut century remains his defining contribution to Indian cricket history. His name is regularly cited in discussions of Indian Test debutants who scored hundreds in their first innings, a list that includes a small handful of players across the country's Test history.

Later life

Shodhan continued to be associated with cricket in Gujarat after retiring as a player. He died in 2016.

References