Birthdays of two legendary Indian cricketers fall in September. First on the list is late Vijay Manjrekar, my childhood hero ever since his heroic knock of 133 in 1952 Headingly test after India lost 3 wickets for a meagre 40 odd runs. (So was my cricketing idol Vinoo Mankad for his stunning feat in Lords test same year, I must confess). My second September-born hero is the wily Sardar of spin Bishan Singh Bedi who left an indelible impression on me in my early adulthood. I saw him in action for the first time in 1969 Delhi Test against Australia. His sterling performance alongside Prasanna helped India win that match under Pataudi's captaincy.
On the respective birthdays of these two outstanding cricketers, media both TV and print has quite thoughtfully reminded the nation their invaluable and unforgettable contribution . I join millions of my countrymen in paying my respectful homage to late Vijay Manjrekar and I wish Bishan Singh Bedi a very long and happy life.
Having said that, I must humbly bring to the notice of veteran journalists and newsroom editors that they can be little more sensitive to other sportspersons on similar milestones achieved by them. I am referring to another great cricketer who was hugely talented as a left arm bowler.and held the record for the highest number of wickets in Ranji tournament. Not many young cricket fans would have heard of Rajinder Goel who played domestic cricket in the era Gavaskar. Vishwanath, Prasanna or Bedi. He consistently hit cricket headlines in 60s and 70s and if he did not (though he should have) played international Test cricket, it was not due to lack of talent. Away from media glare and attention Rajinder Goel must have had a quiet birthday last Sunday. Though belated, let us wish this gentleman cricketer Many Happy Returns Of The Day
On the respective birthdays of these two outstanding cricketers, media both TV and print has quite thoughtfully reminded the nation their invaluable and unforgettable contribution . I join millions of my countrymen in paying my respectful homage to late Vijay Manjrekar and I wish Bishan Singh Bedi a very long and happy life.
Having said that, I must humbly bring to the notice of veteran journalists and newsroom editors that they can be little more sensitive to other sportspersons on similar milestones achieved by them. I am referring to another great cricketer who was hugely talented as a left arm bowler.and held the record for the highest number of wickets in Ranji tournament. Not many young cricket fans would have heard of Rajinder Goel who played domestic cricket in the era Gavaskar. Vishwanath, Prasanna or Bedi. He consistently hit cricket headlines in 60s and 70s and if he did not (though he should have) played international Test cricket, it was not due to lack of talent. Away from media glare and attention Rajinder Goel must have had a quiet birthday last Sunday. Though belated, let us wish this gentleman cricketer Many Happy Returns Of The Day
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