October 31 will go down as a special date in Indian cricket as the nation’s first Test captain CK Nayudu was born on this day in 1895. India will celebrate the 124th anniversary on October 31, 2019 (Thursday).  In the present day, India have emerged as the cricketing powerhouse but the foundation was laid by none other than Nayudu. The former captain played as an all-rounder and was a utility cricketer. The latter defied all the odds and captained India before Independence. Nayudu was not able to play International cricket for a long period but managed to display the glimpses of his capability.

Nayudu represented India in seven Tests in which he scored 350 runs and scalped nine wickets. The former was known for his great passion for the game and was one of the pillars of Indian cricket. Before India’s debut in International cricket, Nayudu piled up runs in the domestic matches and proved his mettle. Nayudu played a vital role in making India a Test-playing nation and is an indisputable legend of the Indian cricket. India played their first Test against England on June 25, 1932, and today the team has emerged as a formidable force in the cricketing world.

On November 14, 1967, Nayudu took his last breath at the age of 72 and Cricket lost one of its greatest sensations. Since then, India was blessed with many great captains like Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli who led India to several victories. India have taken giant strides in International success which would certainly have made the former Indian captain proud wherever he is.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 31, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).