Umrigar, Polly (1926-2006), was a dominant cricketer in India from the late 1940’s through the early 1960’s. Umrigar played a key role in Indian cricket as a batsman, bowler, fielder, and team captain. He retired after setting the national record for most Tests (59), most Test runs (3,631), and most Test centuries (12). Umrigar held these records until they were broken in the late 1970’s by Sunil Gavaskar . Umrigar was the first Indian to hit a Test double century. He was India’s captain in eight Tests from 1955 to 1958. For a discussion of cricket positions and terms, see Cricket .
Umrigar’s batting style was right-hand bat. His bowling style was right-arm off break. He was recognized as a brilliant fielder. Umrigar made his test debut in 1948 against the West Indies and ended his test career in 1962 against the same country. During his career, he played for India’s national team as well as for Gujarat , Mumbai , and Parsees. He also played for Church in the Lancashire League in England in 1953 and 1954.
Umrigar was born on March 28, 1926, in Sholapur in the state of Maharashtra . His full name was Pahlan Ratanji Umrigar. In 1948, while on a team of Indian university students, he scored 115 not out against the West Indies Test team. His performance earned him a spot on India’s Test team later that year. After he retired as a player in 1962, Umrigar remained active in Indian cricket as chairman of the selection committee from 1978 to 1982; overseas tour manager in the late 1970’s; and executive secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from 1987 to 1997. Umrigar died on Nov. 7, 2006.
