Over the years, Indian cricket has come a very long way. Hundreds of tests, ODIs, many more T20s, two ODI world cups, T20 World Cup, Asia cups, Champion’s trophies, fierce rivalries, Indian cricket has seen it all. Today India is arguably the best cricketing nation in the world. But throughout its rich history, not all the Indian cricket warriors were born in India. Here are some of them.
1. Salim Durani (Kabul, Afghanistan):
Durani was the first-ever man from Afghan soil to play a test match. Durani, born in Kabul in December 1934 was a left-handed batsman and a left-arm spinner. He made his test debut against Australia for India in 1960 and went on to play 29 test matches, scoring 1202 runs and scalping 75 wickets. He also enjoyed a great First-Class career.
2. Robin Singh (Trinidad and Tobago):
Robin Singh is the most capped player in international cricket for India, born outside India. Born in Princes Town, he made his debut for his home team before moving to India. He subsequently played in the Ranji Trophy and was called up for the Indian National Team. He went on to play 136 ODIs, scoring 2336 runs and picking 69 wickets. He also played a solitary Test against Zimbabwe. The all-rounder also had a fairly good List A career.
3. Khokhan Sen (Comilla, Bangladesh):
This wicketkeeper is commonly known as Probir Kumar Sen.He was reportedly born in Comilla in 1926. He made his debut for Bengal and by the time he made his debut for India, Comilla was part of East Pakistan as India had gained independence and it was partitioned. He represented India for 4 years, however, he didn’t have a fruitful career.
4. Lall Singh (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia):
Lall is the only man born in Malaysian soil to play a Test match. He was born in Kuala Lumpur in December 1909. He played for India in its inaugural test match against England at Lords. That was his only Test Match. He is the first Test cricketer of an Asian team who was born in a non-Test playing country.
5. Numerous (Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan):
As many as 10 players born in Pakistan have played for India. The Indian Test cricketers born in Karachi are Naoomal Jaoomal, Jenni Irani, Gogumal Kishenchand, Gulabrai Ramchand and Pananmal Punjabi. Gulabrai Ramchand is the most experienced Indian Test cricketer from Karachi. He featured in 33 Test matches, scoring 1180 runs and claiming 41 wickets.
He also captained India five times. Dilawar Hussain, Gul Mohammad, Abdul Kardar, Man Sood and Amir Elahi are the five cricketers who were born in Lahore. All these ten players were born in cities which became a part of Pakistan after Independence.
6. Ashok Gandotra(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil):
Ashok Gandotra is the only man born in Brazil to play test cricket. He was born in Rio de Janeiro in November 1948. He made his Ranji Trophy debut for Delhi aged just 17. He also made his India debut in the 1969/70 home where he played two test matches. He scored just 54 runs in those two matches. His underwhelming performances never got him another chance to play for India. Due to his continued struggle, he had to retire at just 26 years of age.
