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Ramakant Desai

Ramakant Bhikaji Desai (1939–1998) was an Indian cricketer who represented India in Test cricket between the late 1950s and the late 1960s. A right-arm fast bowler from Bombay, he was known for his lively pace despite a slight build, which earned him the nickname "Tiny". He later served Indian cricket as a national selector and chairman of selectors.

Key facts

Full name Ramakant Bhikaji Desai
Born 1939
Died 1998
Nationality Indian
Role Right-arm fast bowler
Domestic team Bombay
Format Test cricket, First-class cricket
Later role Chairman, national selection committee, BCCI

Background

Desai emerged from the strong Bombay cricketing system, which during the 1950s and 1960s produced a steady stream of Test cricketers. Although he stood under average height for a fast bowler, he generated genuine pace and was regarded as one of India's leading new-ball options of his era, at a time when Indian cricket was more often associated with spin bowling.

Playing career

Desai made his Test debut for India in the late 1950s and went on to play Test matches over roughly a decade. He was part of Indian sides that toured England and the West Indies, and that played home series against touring teams from England, Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand and the West Indies during the 1960s. He partnered the new ball alongside contemporaries such as Vasant Ranjane and later opened the bowling with younger pacemen as the decade progressed.

In domestic cricket, he was a long-serving member of the Bombay Ranji Trophy team during one of its most successful periods, when the side dominated the national first-class championship.

Administration

After retiring from active cricket, Desai remained associated with the game in administrative and selection roles. He served as a member and subsequently chairman of the senior national selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Significance

Desai is remembered as one of the few Indian fast bowlers of stature in an era dominated by the spin quartet that emerged in the late 1960s. His career bridged the gap between the medium-pace tradition of post-independence Indian cricket and the more sustained pace bowling efforts of the 1970s.

References