Chandrakant Gulabrao Borde, popularly known as Chandu Borde, is a former Indian cricketer who represented India in Test cricket between the late 1950s and the late 1960s. A right-handed middle-order batsman and leg-break googly bowler, he was regarded as one of the most dependable all-rounders of his era in Indian cricket. He briefly captained the Indian Test side and later served Indian cricket in administrative and selection roles.
| Full name | Chandrakant Gulabrao Borde |
|---|---|
| Born | 21 July 1934, Pune, Maharashtra |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Role | Batting all-rounder |
| Batting style | Right-handed |
| Bowling style | Right-arm leg-break googly |
| Domestic team | Maharashtra; later Baroda |
| Test debut | 1958 vs West Indies |
| Honours | Padma Shri; Arjuna Award |
Borde was born in Pune in 1934 and rose through Maharashtra's domestic cricket structure during the 1950s. He later moved to Baroda, where he played a significant part in the team's Ranji Trophy campaigns. His combination of orthodox batting technique and useful leg-spin made him a valuable two-way contributor in first-class cricket.
Borde made his Test debut for India against the West Indies in 1958. Through the late 1950s and the 1960s he was a regular member of the Indian Test side, playing against opposition including the West Indies, Australia, England, Pakistan, New Zealand and visiting touring teams. He was known for resilient innings against high-quality fast bowling and for chipping in with leg-spin when required.
He was appointed captain of India for one Test, leading the side during the 1967–68 period when injuries and selection circumstances created an opening at the top. He was a senior figure on India's tour of England and on the historic 1967–68 tour of Australia and New Zealand, on which India recorded its first Test series win abroad in New Zealand.
Borde was admired for his composure on difficult pitches and his ability to anchor the middle order. As a leg-spinner he was an effective support bowler, frequently used as a fifth bowling option. His all-round skills allowed Indian captains to balance the side, particularly during the era when India relied heavily on spin.
In first-class cricket, Borde represented Maharashtra and Baroda, and also turned out for President's XI and other invitation sides. He scored multiple first-class centuries and was a consistent run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy. His leg-spin yielded a substantial haul of first-class wickets across his long career.
After retiring from active cricket, Borde remained associated with the game in various capacities. He served as a national selector and was Chairman of the Senior Selection Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He also worked as a manager of the Indian cricket team, including in tours during the 2000s, and contributed to coaching and administration in Maharashtra cricket.
Chandu Borde is considered one of the senior statesmen of Indian cricket from the post-Independence generation. He bridged the gap between India's early Test-playing decades and the more competitive era that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His role as a stabilising batsman and a useful spinner, combined with his later work as a selector and administrator, has given him a lasting place in the history of Indian cricket.