Description

Vinoo Mankad was one of India’s greatest all-rounders and a pioneer in Indian cricket. His contributions to the sport are still remembered and celebrated, both for his remarkable performances and for his role in one of cricket’s most famous controversies.

Key Aspects of His Life and Career:

1. Early Life and Domestic Career:

   • Full Name: Mulvantrai Himmatlal "Vinoo" Mankad
   • Born: April 12, 1917, in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India.
   • Mankad started his cricketing career in domestic cricket, playing for teams like Mumbai and Gujarat. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled left-handed batsman and left-arm orthodox spinner.

2. International Career:

   • Test Debut: Vinoo Mankad made his Test debut for India on June 22, 1946, against England at Lord’s.
   • All-Rounder: Mankad was a true all-rounder, capable of winning matches with both bat and ball. He was one of the few players who could open both the batting and the bowling for his team.
   • Batting: His most famous innings came in 1952, when he scored 231 runs against New Zealand in Chennai (then Madras), setting a world record opening partnership of 413 runs with Pankaj Roy—a record that stood for 52 years.
   • Bowling: Mankad was also a highly effective left-arm spinner. He was known for his accuracy and guile, and he frequently troubled top batsmen with his variations.

3. Mankading Incident:

   • The Controversy: Vinoo Mankad is famously associated with the term "Mankading," which refers to the act of a bowler running out a non-striker who leaves the crease before the ball is delivered. This incident occurred during India’s 1947-48 tour of Australia when Mankad ran out Bill Brown, an Australian batsman, in this manner. Although the act was within the rules, it sparked controversy, and the term "Mankading" was coined as a result. Despite the debate, Mankad's actions were supported by Don Bradman, who defended Mankad's adherence to the rules.

4. Notable Achievements:

   • World Record: Mankad held the record for the highest partnership for the first wicket in Test cricket (413 runs with Pankaj Roy) from 1956 to 2008.
   • Historic Test Performance: In 1952, during the Lord’s Test against England, Mankad scored 72 and 184, and took five wickets, almost single-handedly winning the game for India, although India eventually lost. His performance in that match is often regarded as one of the greatest all-round displays in Test history.

5. Legacy:

   • Contributions: Vinoo Mankad’s contributions to Indian cricket are immense. He was one of the first Indian cricketers to be recognized as a world-class all-rounder and laid the foundation for future generations.
   • Recognition: In 1973, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his contributions to Indian cricket.
   • Vinoo Mankad Trophy: In his honor, the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, a national-level cricket tournament for under-19 players in India, is named after him.

6. Personal Life:

   • Mankad’s son, Ashok Mankad, also played Test cricket for India, continuing the family's cricketing legacy.

Vinoo Mankad remains a legendary figure in Indian cricket, celebrated for his incredible versatility and his pioneering role in the sport. His name is permanently etched in cricket history, both for his remarkable achievements on the field and for his involvement in one of the game's most talked-about incidents.