Nayudu, C. K. (1895-1967), an Indian cricketer, was the first captain of the India Test cricket team. As such, Nayudu played a brief but historic role for India, though he only played in seven Test matches. He captained India when the team met England in London in 1932; during India’s first three Test matches in India—in Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras—in 1933-1934; and in three other matches against England during the Indian team’s international tour in 1936.
Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu was born on Oct. 31, 1895, in Nagpur, in Maharashtra, India. He made his first-class cricket debut in 1916, playing for the Hindus team. His batting style was right-hand bat, and his bowling style was right-arm off-break. In 1956, Nayudu became the first cricketer to receive the Padma Bhushan award, the third highest civilian award given by the Indian government. Nayudu retired from cricket competition in 1957 at the age of 62. He was also an accomplished field hockey and soccer player. Nayudu died on Nov. 14, 1967.
Nayudu was one of several noted cricket players in his family. Three brothers played first-class cricket, and one of them, C. S. (Cottari Subbanna), played in 11 Test matches for India. Nayudu also had two sons and a grandson who played first-class cricket, though none of them made it to India’s Test team.
