The Arrival Of Lion Hearted Jaisimha

- Partab Ramchand

It is a feat that has been performed a few times in Test cricket but still remains a coveted one for batsmen. To bat on each day of a five-day Test match brings out all the qualities required to be a top class batsmen – technique and temperament, concentration and determination. And to ML Jaisimha goes the honour of being the first to achieve this feat.

Jaisimha is known as the gay cavalier of Indian cricket. In the sixties he entertained spectators with silken strokes all round the wicket and even big hits. A six in a Test match was a rarity in those days but the spectators sensed that when the elegant stylist from Hyderabad was in he could just provide the thrills associated with the ball flying high and handsomely over the ropes. Jaisimha was a crowd puller and along with Salim Durrani, Farokh Engineer, Nawab of Pataudi and Budhi Kunderan made sure that even if the Indians lost they would provide entertaining cricket.

But before he established himself in the side Jaisimha was a bit of stonewaller. He came into the touring squad for England in 1959 as a 20-year-old on the basis of some sterling displays around the domestic circuit. But he was taken only as an extra batsman and his opportunities were limited. One such opportunity came his way when Chandu Borde was injured in the first Test and Jaisimha made his Test debut in the second Test at Lord’s. He made 1 and 8 opening the second innings in place of the injured Nari Contractor. Predictably enough he didn’t get another chance during the series and was forgotten till the final Test of the home series against Australia at Calcutta in January 1960.