Vasant Raiji (1920–2020) was an Indian first-class cricketer and cricket historian. He was widely regarded as one of the oldest surviving Indian first-class cricketers in the later years of his life, and he was also known for his scholarly writings on the early history of cricket in India.
Key facts
| Full name | Vasant Raiji |
|---|---|
| Born | 1920 |
| Died | 2020 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Known for | First-class cricket; cricket history writing |
Background
Raiji was active in Indian first-class cricket during the pre-independence era, a period when domestic competition was organised around the Bombay Pentangular and the Ranji Trophy. He played at a time when many of India's leading cricketers competed alongside him on Bombay's maidans.
Cricket writing
In addition to his playing career, Raiji devoted much of his life to documenting the history of Indian cricket. He authored books on early Indian cricketers and on the formative period of the sport in the country, contributing to the preservation of records and biographical detail from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Significance
Raiji's longevity, combined with his role as a chronicler of the game, made him a notable link between the early generations of Indian cricket and the modern era. His historical works are referenced by researchers studying the development of cricket in India before and shortly after independence.
Related topics
- Bombay cricket
- Ranji Trophy
- Bombay Pentangular
- History of cricket in India
- Indian first-class cricketers
References
- Wikidata entry: Q7916332