Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Vijay Merchant

Vijay Madhavji Merchant (12 October 1911 – 27 October 1987) was an Indian cricketer celebrated for his elegant right-handed opening batting, who represented India in 10 Test matches between 1933 and 1952, scoring 859 runs at an average of 47.72, including three centuries.^[1] Born Vijaysingh Madhavji Thakersey into a wealthy Gujarati merchant family in Bombay (now Mumbai), he was an occasional wicket-keeper and right-arm medium-pace bowler, but primarily excelled as a batsman.^[2] Regarded as one of India's finest pre-independence cricketers, Merchant's career bridged the amateur and professional eras of the sport in the country.^[3] Merchant's first-class career spanned over two decades, during which he played 150 matches and accumulated 13,470 runs at an average of 71.64, including 45 centuries and 52 half-centuries.^[1] In domestic cricket, particularly the Ranji Trophy for Bombay, he scored 3,639 runs in 47 innings at an exceptional average of 98.75, with 16 centuries.^[4] His standout international performance came on the 1936 tour of England, where he tallied 1,745 runs at an average of 51.32, earning him selection as one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year in 1937.^[3] Notable Test knocks included his highest score of 154 against England in 1951–52 at the age of 40, making him India's oldest Test centurion at the time.^[4] Beyond playing, Merchant contributed significantly to cricket administration as chairman of India's national selection committee in the 1960s and 1970s, notably using his casting vote in 1971 to appoint Ajit Wadekar as captain over Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.^[5] A philanthropist and industrialist, he founded the National Society for Equal Opportunities for the Handicapped (NASEOH) in 1968 to support rehabilitation for people with disabilities.^[6] Merchant died of a heart attack in Bombay on 27 October 1987, at the age of 76.^[7]

Early Life and Background

Birth and Family

Vijay Merchant was born on 12 October 1911 in Bombay, British India, into a prosperous family of merchants and factory owners.^[8] His father was an independently wealthy businessman, providing the family with significant financial stability during the colonial period.^[9] The Merchant family was part of Bombay's affluent trading community, which played a key role in the city's economic landscape under British rule.^[8] This background offered Vijay a privileged upbringing, including access to quality education and recreational opportunities in a bustling colonial metropolis known for its emerging sports infrastructure.^[10] His brother, Uday Merchant, shared a similar interest in cricket and went on to play first-class matches for Bombay, highlighting the family's early involvement in the sport.^[4] Growing up in this environment exposed Merchant to the British colonial sports culture, where cricket was increasingly popular among the urban elite, laying the foundation for his future pursuits.^[9]

Education and Initial Cricket Exposure

Vijay Merchant attended Bharda New High School in Bombay, where he began playing organized cricket at the age of eight.^[11] As captain of the school's junior team, he demonstrated early promise by scoring twin centuries—124 and an unbeaten 100—at the age of 15, performances that highlighted his potential and drew initial attention from local cricket circles.^[11] He received only minor coaching from the school's games master, developing much of his technique through self-practice on the school's grounds, which were part of Bombay's emerging cricket nursery.^[11]^[12] Merchant later enrolled at Sydenham College in Bombay, where he captained the cricket team and emerged as an outstanding college-level player.^[11] In the 1931 Bombay Inter-Collegiate tournament, he amassed 504 runs at an average of 84 and claimed 29 wickets at an average of 12.13, contributions that helped Sydenham win the prestigious Rohinton Baria Shield for the first time in its history.^[11] His college exploits were influenced by observing the stylish batting of L.P. Jai, a contemporary player for Bombay, though Merchant remained largely self-taught in his formative years.^[3] As a teenager, Merchant gained further exposure through participation in local tournaments, including representing the Hindus in the 1929 Quadrangular series, one of Bombay's key inter-community competitions.^[11] Notable junior performances extended to club-level play, such as his 157-run knock for the Freelooters XI in the 1931 Moin-ud-Dowla Gold Cup.^[11] In the early 1930s, he faced challenges including an initial apprehension toward fast bowling, which he overcame after a 1933 injury from English bowler Morris Nichols, and missed national trial opportunities in 1932 due to private commitments; a strained shoulder in 1935 further limited his preparations against the visiting Australian team.^[11] Born into a wealthy Gujarati merchant family, this background provided the stability to pursue cricket alongside his education.^[11]

Domestic Career

Early Matches and Rise in Bombay Cricket

Vijay Merchant entered first-class cricket representing Bombay in the inaugural Ranji Trophy season of 1934–35, making his debut against Maharashtra at Pune where he scored 94 runs in the first innings, achieving his maiden half-century and contributing to Bombay taking the first-innings lead in a drawn match.^[13] This performance marked the beginning of his rise in domestic cricket, showcasing his solid technique against a competitive side featuring emerging talents like Vijay Hazare. In the same season, Merchant continued his form, including 101 against Western India, before delivering a match-winning 120 in the final against Northern India at Bombay, contributing to Bombay's triumph in the tournament's first edition.^[14] Throughout the 1930s, Merchant's consistent batting solidified his position in Bombay's lineup, as the team dominated the Ranji Trophy by winning three consecutive titles from 1934–35 to 1936–37. He aggregated 389 runs in the 1934–35 season alone, the highest in the competition, and followed with key contributions in subsequent years, and steady knocks against Maharashtra in repeated encounters.^[13] His reliability at the top order was pivotal to Bombay's success, often anchoring innings on challenging pitches and against varied bowling attacks, helping the side establish early supremacy in Indian domestic cricket.^[3] In the pre-independence era, Merchant faced initial challenges adapting to the diverse conditions of Indian pitches, many of which were matted surfaces over concrete that offered uneven bounce and turn, compounded by the skill of provincial bowlers employing unorthodox tactics.^[11] Despite these hurdles, his disciplined approach, honed through college cricket, allowed him to thrive, setting the foundation for Bombay's sustained excellence in the Ranji Trophy during the decade.^[15]

Key Performances and Rivalries

One of Vijay Merchant's most iconic domestic performances came in the 1943–44 Ranji Trophy West Zone match against Maharashtra at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium, where he scored an unbeaten 359—then the highest individual score in Indian first-class cricket—helping Bombay declare at 735 for 7 and secure a draw despite Maharashtra's response of 298. This innings, featuring 31 fours and lasting 10 hours and 45 minutes, showcased Merchant's mastery of patience and placement on a wearing pitch, eclipsing previous benchmarks and contributing to Bombay's zone dominance.^[16] Merchant's rivalry with Vijay Hazare, another pre-eminent Indian batsman, defined much of the 1940s domestic scene, with their head-to-head encounters in tournaments like the Bombay Pentangular highlighting contrasting styles—Merchant's elegant, defensive technique against Hazare's more aggressive strokeplay. In the 1943 Pentangular final, Hazare smashed 309 for The Rest against the Hindus, nearly carrying his team single-handedly to 387 all out, a record that prompted widespread acclaim for his flair. Merchant responded in the same final for the Hindus against The Rest, remaining unbeaten on 250—outshining Hazare's effort in the high-stakes clash and bettering the tournament's previous best—while Hazare managed 48, underscoring Merchant's superior adaptability in pressure situations. Their 1940s matches in tournaments like the Bombay Pentangular saw Merchant edge ahead in consistency, with his measured approach frustrating bowlers where Hazare's boldness occasionally faltered against spin.^[17]^[18] Beyond the Ranji Trophy, Merchant excelled in non-Ranji domestic fixtures, particularly Bombay Presidency matches against touring sides, where he demonstrated resilience under physical duress. In December 1933 at Bombay Gymkhana, facing Douglas Jardine's MCC during their controversial Bodyline tour, Merchant opened and scored 19 not out in the first innings and 67 not out in the second, during which he was struck on the chin by a lifter from Morris Nichols, requiring stitches, but continued to complete his innings; his gritty knock helped Bombay Presidency draw the game and earned praise for his composure against intimidating fast bowling. Similar performances against other visitors, like the 1937–38 New Zealanders, reinforced his reputation as a reliable opener in these prestige encounters, often blending caution with precise off-side strokes.^[11]^[19] World War II disrupted the full domestic schedule from 1939 to 1945, suspending the Ranji Trophy for several seasons and limiting interstate play, yet Bombay's Pentangular tournament persisted as a key outlet, allowing Merchant to maintain form through fewer but intense matches. Adapting to irregular programming and wartime conditions—like reduced travel and variable pitches—Merchant thrived, averaging over 100 in the 1941–42 and 1943–44 Pentangulars, with his technical solidity enabling prolonged vigils that anchored innings amid bowling attacks depleted by military service. This period honed his endurance, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for monumental scores that sustained his pre-war momentum.^[20]

First-Class Records and Milestones

Vijay Merchant's first-class career, spanning from the 1929/30 season to 1951/52, encompassed 150 matches in which he amassed 13,470 runs at an average of 71.64, including 45 centuries and a highest score of 359 not out.^[2] His batting prowess was evident in his ability to compile substantial innings on often challenging pitches, with 52 half-centuries further underscoring his consistency across 234 innings.^[2] Among his milestones, Merchant scored 11 double-centuries, a record for Indian cricketers at the time and one that highlighted his dominance in longer formats.^[3] The most notable was his unbeaten 359 against Maharashtra in the 1943/44 Ranji Trophy West Zone match, a marathon knock lasting over 10 hours that remains one of the highest individual scores in Indian domestic cricket history.^[3] This innings, along with eight other double-centuries at Brabourne Stadium, exemplified his technical mastery and endurance.^[3] Merchant's first-class average of 71.64 ranks as the second-highest globally, surpassed only by Don Bradman's 95.14, a testament to his exceptional skill in an era of uncovered wickets and variable conditions.^[21] In the Indian context, this figure elevated him above contemporaries like Vijay Hazare and Lala Amarnath, establishing him as the pre-eminent batsman of his generation.^[9] His career trajectory showed a steady rise in the 1930s, where he transitioned from promising opener to established star, scoring his first century in 1931 and earning recognition as one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year in 1937.^[3] The 1940s marked his peak, with prolific scoring in the Ranji Trophy despite World War II disruptions, including multiple triple-figure knocks that propelled Bombay to titles.^[22] Post-war, from 1946 onward, Merchant adopted a more selective approach, playing fewer matches while maintaining high standards, which culminated in his retirement after the 1951/52 season and influenced his recall for limited Test appearances.^[23]

International Career

Test Debut and Pre-War Matches

Vijay Merchant made his Test debut during India's inaugural home series against England in 1933–34, selected on the strength of his impressive domestic performances for Bombay. In the first Test at Bombay from December 15–18, 1933, he batted at number six and scored 31 in the first innings and 12 in the second during an encounter that England won by 9 wickets, highlighting the challenges of the matting pitches and the strength of the English bowling attack led by Hedley Verity and Stan Nichols.^[24] Despite the modest start, Merchant showed promise in a match where India's overall batting struggled against England's pace and spin. Merchant featured in all three Tests of the 1933–34 series, scoring 59 and 38 in the second Test at Calcutta (drawn) and 26 and 60 in the third at Madras (England won), contributing steadily but without standout scores, as India lost the rubber 0–2 against a superior English side captained by Douglas Jardine. His early international exposure came amid a weak Indian team lacking depth in bowling and fielding, often forcing batsmen like him to build innings on unpredictable surfaces that favored spin. In the 1936 tour of England, Merchant emerged as India's pre-eminent batsman, anchoring the top order in all three Tests during a rain-affected summer. He registered his maiden Test century of 114 in the second Test at Old Trafford, followed by scores of 35 and 0 in the first at Lord's, 27 in the first innings at Old Trafford, and 52 and 17 in the third at The Oval. These knocks, including the century that stabilized India's fragile lineup, earned him praise for his elegant strokeplay against bowlers like Gubby Allen and Verity.^[25]^[26]^[27] Overall, Merchant played six pre-war Tests, amassing 471 runs at an average of 39.25, a testament to his adaptability despite the era's limited international fixtures—India contested only these series before World War II disrupted cricket. The contextual hurdles were immense: a nascent Indian side often outmatched, substandard pitches in India that turned erratically, and confrontations with world-class pacemen like Harold Larwood in practice or Verity's left-arm spin in Tests, all of which tested his defensive solidity and shot selection.^[3]

1946 England Tour

The 1946 tour of England marked India's first overseas venture after World War II and represented a significant milestone for Vijay Merchant, who served as vice-captain under the Nawab of Pataudi. The team played 29 first-class matches, winning 11, losing 4, and drawing 14, in a wet summer that tested batting conditions with frequent rain-affected pitches. Merchant emerged as the standout performer, amassing 2,385 runs in 41 innings at an average of 74.53, including seven centuries and a highest score of 242 not out; he became the first Indian to score over 2,000 runs on an English tour, demonstrating exceptional concentration and adaptability to the seaming conditions.^[28]^[29] In the three-Test series against England, which India lost 1-0 with two draws, Merchant's contributions were mixed but highlighted his resilience. He scored 12 and 27 in the first Test at Lord's, where India were bowled out cheaply in both innings against debutant Alec Bedser's 11 wickets. His second Test at Old Trafford yielded 3 and 0, as rain and English pace restricted the visitors. However, Merchant redeemed the series with 128 in the third Test at The Oval, run out in a gritty knock that helped India reach 331 and secure a draw after following on; overall, he tallied 170 runs at 34.00 across the Tests.^[30]^[31]^[32] Merchant's dominance shone brightest in non-Test fixtures, where he notched double centuries against Worcestershire (219), Sussex (205), and Glamorgan (200), alongside 242 not out versus Lancashire and 181 against Essex. These innings exemplified his mastery of English county attacks, often building partnerships in challenging, damp conditions that favored bowlers. As vice-captain, he fostered team unity among a diverse squad from undivided India, contributing to morale during a transitional era ahead of independence; contemporaries like John Arlott praised his 148 against the MCC at Lord's for its technical richness. Recognized as the tour's preeminent batsman, Merchant's efforts elevated India's reputation, blending elegant strokeplay with unyielding determination.^[28]^[33]

Post-War Tests and Retirement

Following his triumphant performance on the 1946 tour of England, where he scored two centuries and established himself as one of India's premier batsmen, Vijay Merchant's international career saw limited action in the immediate post-war years due to recurring health issues. Named captain for India's first post-independence tour to Australia in 1947-48, he was forced to withdraw before the series began owing to injury and poor health, missing all five Tests as India suffered a 4-0 defeat.^[34] Similarly, he sat out the 1952-53 tour of the West Indies for the same reasons, further curtailing what might have been a more extensive Test record.^[3] Merchant's final international appearance came at age 40 during England's 1951-52 tour of India, where he opened in the first Test at Delhi. In a masterful innings, he scored 154—his highest Test score and third century—forming a 211-run partnership with Vijay Hazare that helped India post 418 and secure a draw. However, the match proved bittersweet, as Merchant sustained a severe shoulder injury while fielding, which significantly impacted his mobility and marked the effective end of his playing days.^[35]^[36] Across his 10-Test career, spanning 1933 to 1951 and exclusively against England, Merchant accumulated 859 runs at an average of 47.72, including three centuries with a best of 154. He retired from first-class cricket in 1952 at age 40, prompted by the shoulder injury, advancing age, and growing business obligations in his family's textile trade, allowing him to transition toward administrative roles in the sport.^[3]^[37]^[8]

Playing Style and Technique

Batting Philosophy

Vijay Merchant's batting philosophy was rooted in a defensive technique that emphasized patience and precise shot selection rather than aggression, allowing him to construct long, unyielding innings on challenging pitches. He adhered to a core principle of preserving the wicket once set, famously stating that a batsman should not lose it through carelessness but let the bowler earn the dismissal, which underscored his safety-first mindset. This approach, honed through rigorous practice focusing on correct strokes and balance, enabled him to neutralize attacks with composure and minimal risk, as evidenced by his signature late cut played with surgical timing.^[38] Central to Merchant's outlook was the mental fortitude required to sustain performance under pressure, viewing cricket as a test of temperament where intense concentration prevented lapses that could end promising stands. His steely resolve manifested in disciplined focus, avoiding distractions like sunglasses to maintain sharp vision, and treating every delivery with match-like seriousness even in nets. This psychological edge, combined with a conservative temperament, allowed him to prioritize survival and accumulation over flamboyance, purging unnecessary risks from his game.^[38] Merchant adapted this philosophy to diverse conditions, favoring defensive consolidation on the variable subcontinental pitches while employing immaculate footwork to counter seam movement overseas, where his technique proved resilient on damp English tracks. Though largely uncoached early on, he drew influences from observing elegant contemporaries like L.P. Jai and peers in the Bombay batting tradition, including C.K. Nayudu, refining his method through mutual respect and shared experiences in domestic cricket.^[3]^[39]

Influence on Technique and School of Batsmanship

Vijay Merchant is widely regarded as the founder of the Bombay School of Batsmanship, which emphasized orthodox techniques rooted in precision and discipline, distinguishing it from more flamboyant styles elsewhere. This school prioritized a straight bat to meet the ball directly, impeccable footwork to align the body behind the line of delivery, and the execution of classical strokes such as the cover drive and late cut, all honed through rigorous practice to ensure consistency against varied bowling attacks. Merchant's approach transformed batting into a scientific endeavor, where getting to the pitch of the ball—particularly crucial on turning Indian tracks—allowed batsmen to handle spin with controlled aggression rather than reckless attack, advocating for supple wrists and keen eyesight to place shots with minimal risk.^[40]^[41]^[22] Building on his personal philosophy of batting as a blend of technique, temperament, and concentration, Merchant's principles influenced later generations through the Bombay School, with its lineage extending from Vijay Manjrekar and Dilip Sardesai through Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar to Sachin Tendulkar. For instance, Gavaskar's methodical approach and emphasis on not squandering wickets once set echoed Merchant's teachings, as relayed by contemporaries like Madhav Mantri. These elements helped embed Merchant's methods into the fabric of Indian batting, fostering a generation that valued endurance over improvisation.^[40]^[41] The long-term impact of Merchant's style is evident in its integration into Indian coaching frameworks from the post-1950s onward, where tenets like safety-first play, intense focus, and orthodox strokeplay became staples in training manuals and academies. This adoption standardized the Bombay School's emphasis on footwork and straight-bat defense as foundational for young batsmen navigating subcontinental conditions, influencing curricula that prioritized technical solidity over power-hitting until the modern era. As a result, elements of Merchant's innovations, such as the timed cover drive for off-side dominance and proactive positioning against spin, persisted as benchmarks in national coaching, shaping India's batting identity for decades.^[41]^[22]^[40]

Post-Retirement Involvement

Administrative and Selection Roles

After retiring from active play in 1952, Vijay Merchant emerged as a prominent figure in Indian cricket administration, particularly through his service on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) committees during the 1950s and 1960s, where he contributed to policy discussions on the sport's growth amid post-independence challenges.^[8] These efforts were complicated by internal politics and regional rivalries in the nascent BCCI structure, as the organization navigated funding shortages and the integration of diverse state associations following India's 1947 independence.^[33]^[42] Merchant's most influential role came as chairman of the national selection committee in the late 1960s, a position he held during a critical transitional phase for Indian cricket.^[3] Drawing on his own distinguished playing career, he emphasized technical proficiency and temperament in identifying talent, leading to selections that bolstered the team's resurgence.^[3] Notable decisions included the debut of Gundappa Viswanath during the 1969-70 home series against Australia and the introduction of Sunil Gavaskar for the 1970-71 West Indies tour, moves that injected youth and stability into the side.^[43] A defining and controversial choice was his use of the chairman's casting vote to replace Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi Jr. with Ajit Wadekar as Test captain ahead of the 1970-71 West Indies tour, a decision amid whispers of personal and regional tensions that ultimately paved the way for India's first overseas series victory.^[44] This selection reflected Merchant's commitment to merit-based leadership despite the political undercurrents in BCCI deliberations. Throughout his administrative tenure, Merchant advocated for strengthening domestic cricket foundations, including expansions to the Ranji Trophy and youth development initiatives, to build a sustainable talent pipeline in the post-colonial era.^[8] His efforts helped address infrastructural gaps, such as limited training facilities, by pushing for greater investment in state-level programs during BCCI meetings.^[45]

Broadcasting and Media Contributions

Vijay Merchant transitioned into broadcasting after his playing career, beginning as a radio commentator with All India Radio (AIR) in 1952. His commentaries on Test matches and domestic finals were renowned for their technical depth and insightful breakdowns of batting techniques and match strategies, drawing on his extensive first-class experience to educate listeners across India.^[43] From the 1970s to the 1980s, Merchant hosted the popular radio program Cricket with Vijay Merchant on AIR's Vividh Bharati service, broadcast every Sunday afternoon during the cricket season. The show focused on detailed analyses of player techniques, strategic aspects of the game, and emerging talents, often sponsored by Thackersey Mills, and became a staple for cricket enthusiasts, fostering a deeper appreciation of the sport's nuances in an era before widespread television coverage.^[4]^[46]^[43] Merchant's media presence evolved alongside India's rising profile in international cricket, where his expert voice provided context for key events like overseas tours, blending his on-field wisdom with objective observations to guide a growing national audience. He occasionally drew on administrative experiences to enrich discussions, but his contributions emphasized accessible, technique-oriented education over organizational details.^[43]

Legacy

Awards and Honors

Vijay Merchant's pre-retirement achievements were recognized in 1937 when he was selected as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year, honoring his exceptional batting on the 1936 tour of England—where he scored 1,745 runs at an average of 51.32 in first-class matches—and his dominant domestic performances that year.^[3] Following his retirement in 1952, Merchant continued to be celebrated for his contributions to the sport. In 2016, he was inducted into the Wisden India Hall of Fame, acknowledging his pioneering role as one of India's earliest world-class batsmen and his lasting impact on the game.^[47] The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) further honored him by naming its premier under-16 domestic cricket tournament the Vijay Merchant Trophy, introduced in the 1972–73 season to nurture young talent in his name.^[48]

Impact on Indian Cricket

Vijay Merchant's first-class batting average of 71.64, the highest ever recorded by an Indian player and second only to Don Bradman's 95.14 globally, set an unparalleled benchmark for technical excellence and consistency in domestic cricket, inspiring generations of batsmen to prioritize strokeplay rooted in defensive solidity.^[3] This record, amassed across 150 matches with 13,470 runs including 45 centuries, underscored the potential of Indian batsmen on par with international greats and elevated expectations for batting standards in a nascent post-independence cricketing nation.^[3]^[19] The Vijay Merchant Trophy, an under-16 domestic tournament instituted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in his honor, has played a pivotal role in identifying and developing young talent across the country since its inception.^[49] Notable alumni include Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 130 and 107 in a single match during the tournament, marking an early showcase of his prodigious ability and highlighting the competition's function as a cradle for future international stars.^[50] Merchant's emphasis on refined technique and professional demeanor contributed significantly to elevating cricket's stature in post-colonial India, transforming it from a colonial pastime into a symbol of national pride and discipline.^[40] As a selector and administrator, he advocated for strategic team-building and player welfare, fostering a culture of meritocracy that professionalized the sport amid India's evolving identity after 1947.^[36] His legacy in this regard is evident in the enduring respect from peers, who credited his approach with bridging pre- and post-independence eras of Indian cricket.^[38] Merchant passed away on 27 October 1987 in Bombay due to a heart attack, prompting widespread tributes that underscored the profound void his departure left in Indian cricket circles.^[8] Contemporary accounts from teammates like Mushtaq Ali described him as an irreplaceable mentor whose wisdom and elegance had shaped the sport's ethos, with immediate reflections emphasizing the loss of a guiding figure for emerging players.^[51]

References

[1]
Vijay Merchant Profile - ICC Ranking, Age, Career Info & Stats
Vijay Merchant is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen India have ever produced. He played 150 First-class matches during his career and garnered 13470 ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
[2]
Vijay Merchant - CricketArchive
Occasional wicket-keeper ; Biography: His real name was Vijaysingh Madhavji Thakersey ; Relations: Brother: UM Merchant ; Teams: India (Test: 1933/34-1951/52);Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
[3]
Vijay Merchant Profile - Cricket Player India | Stats, Records, Video
Born into a wealthy family on Oct 12, 1911, Vijay Madhavji Merchant became an outstanding college cricketer, and scored twin centuries in a match when only 15.Stats · Matches · Photos · Records
[4]
Vijay Merchant: 22 alluring facts to know about the Bradman of India
Oct 12, 2015 · Born, October 12, 1911, Vijaysingh Madhavji Merchant was an Indian cricketer, who went on to represent Indian cricket team in 10 Tests matches.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
[5]
About Us - Key Players - Naseoh
1968-1987 : The late Shri Vijay Merchant legendary Cricketer, industrialist , philanthropist was the founder President of NASEOH. Mr.Vijay Merchant contributed ...
[6]
Former Test cricketer Vijay Merchant passes away - India Today
Nov 15, 1987 · Former Test cricketer, industrialist and social worker Vijay Merchant, 76, dies of a cardiac arrest.
[7]
20 intriguing facts about Vijay Merchant- The pioneer of Mumbai ...
Oct 12, 2015 · Vijay Merchant, the classic Mumbai cricketer was born on October 12, 1911, in Mumbai. He was born in a wealthy family of merchants and factory owners.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
[8]
Hazare or Merchant? - ESPNcricinfo
Jul 22, 2013 · This contemporary was Vijay Merchant. He was born on October 12, 1911 in Bombay, the son of an independently wealthy businessman. Interestingly, ...
[9]
The other side of Merchant - ESPNcricinfo
Nov 26, 2011 · Merchant was born into a prosperous family of factory owners. Yet he always lived simply, and helped cricketers down on their luck all through ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[10]
India's original batting hero - ESPNcricinfo
In 1931, when the College won the Shield for the first time in its history, Merchant scored 504 runs, average 84, and took 29 wickets for 12.13 runs apiece -- ...Missing: Xavier's exposure
[11]
Our History - BHARDA NEW HIGH SCHOOL AND JR. COLLEGE
The School has given a number of cricketers to India. Vijay Merchant, Polly Umrigar and Nari Contractor had the distinction of captaining India. We have ...Missing: Sydenham | Show results with:Sydenham<|separator|>
[12]
MAHA vs MUM Cricket Scorecard at Pune, February 16 - 18, 1935
Live Cricket Scoreboard: Get Maharashtra vs Bombay cricket scorecard, Ranji ... Vijay Merchant. b Khote, 94, -, -, -, -, -. b Khote. Raghunath Wadkar. b Irani, 28 ...Missing: 1930s score
[13]
MUM vs N IND Cricket Scorecard at Mumbai, March 09 - 12, 1935
MUM vs N IND ; Toss, Bombay, elected to bat first ; Series result, Mumbai (Bombay) won the 1934/35 Ranji Trophy ; Match days, day (4-day match).<|control11|><|separator|>
[14]
The lost stalwart of Indian Cricket - Vijay Merchant - Sportskeeda
Jul 9, 2015 · In 1931, he took 29 wickets and scored 504 runs for his college team, an inter-college record that stands till now. From there his success and ...
[15]
MUM vs MAHA Cricket Scorecard, West Zone at Mumbai, December ...
MUM vs MAHA ; Vijay Merchant (c). not out, 359 ; not out ; Khandu Rangnekar. b Sohoni, 8 ; b Sohoni.
[16]
Vijay Merchant: The fountainhead of the Bombay tradition of great ...
May 7, 2022 · ... Bombay Pentangular in 1943-44, Merchant compiled 359 not out for Bombay in the same Ranji Trophy season in the home game against Maharashtra.
[17]
Top 10 highest individual scores in Ranji Trophy - CricTracker
Feb 6, 2015 · Vijay Merchant 359* with 31 fours and along with Rusi Modi who scored 168, took Bombay to 735 all out. Maharashtra replied with 298, but time ...
[18]
Vijay Merchant - India's first great batsman - CricketMash
Jan 28, 2015 · A prolific run maker for Sydenham College, Merchant started making waves in First-class cricket at the age of 18. He first turned out for the ...
[19]
http://cricmash.com/biographies/vijay-merchant-indias-first-great-batsman
[20]
An Indian legend | ESPNcricinfo
Oct 12, 2025 · He grabbed 12 for 102 on debut against Australia at The Oval in 1890 - the best figures by a debutant until Bob Massie destroyed England with 16 ...
[21]
Merchant: A century of memories - The New Indian Express
May 16, 2012 · In a first class career that stretched from 1929 to 1952, he amassed 13,470 runs with 45 hundreds with a highest score of 359 not out. Playing ...
[22]
Vijay Merchant's career in numbers - CricTracker
Oct 12, 2017 · 359* – His unbeaten knock of 359 for Bombay against Maharashtra in 1943/44 was the then highest individual score in Ranji Trophy and also in the ...
[23]
IND vs ENG Cricket Scorecard, 1st Test at Mumbai, December 15
Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Janardan Navle), 2-71 (Syed Wazir Ali), 3-117 (C.K.Nayudu), 4-135 (Lala Amarnath), 5-148 (Laxmidas Jai), 6-175 (Vijay Merchant), ...
[24]
ENG vs IND Cricket Scorecard, 1st Test at London, June 27 - 30, 1936
Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Vijay Merchant), 2-18 (Mushtaq Ali), 3-22 (C.K.Nayudu) ... England led the 3-match series 1-0. Match number, Test no. 252. Match days ...
[25]
ENG vs IND Cricket Scorecard, 2nd Test at Manchester, July 25
2nd Test, Manchester, July 25 - 28, 1936, India tour of England. IND Flag IND ... day 2 - India 2nd innings 190/0 (Vijay Merchant 79*, Mushtaq Ali 105*).
[26]
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-england-1936-62288/england-vs-india-1st-test-62638/full-scorecard
[27]
India in England, 1946 | ESPNcricinfo
By winning eleven and losing only four of their twenty-nine first-class matches, the Indians did better than their 1932 and 1936 predecessors. ... Few men have ...
[28]
ENG vs IND Cricket Scorecard, 1st Test at London, June 22 - 25, 1946
Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Vijay Merchant), 2-15 (Lala Amarnath), 3-44 (Vinoo Mankad), 4-74 (Vijay Hazare), 5-86 (Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi), ...
[29]
ENG vs IND Cricket Scorecard, 2nd Test at Manchester, July 20 - 23, 1946
- **Vijay Merchant's Batting Scores:**
[30]
ENG vs IND Cricket Scorecard, 3rd Test at London, August 17
... England 1946 at Kennington Oval, London dated August 17 - 20, 1946 ... day 1 - India 1st innings 79/0 (Vijay Merchant 30*, Mushtaq Ali 48*). Sun, 18 ...
[31]
A dinner in 1946 - The Cricket Monthly
Jun 25, 2018 · It was the last tour by undivided India to Britain. It was the summer of Merchant and Mankad, and independence was around the corner.
[32]
How India's first Test tour to Australia almost didn't happen - BBC
Nov 19, 2024 · De Mello's India squad was led by ace opening batsman Vijay Merchant, with his reliable partner Mushtaq Ali serving as deputy.
[33]
IND vs ENG Cricket Scorecard, 1st Test at Delhi, November 02
... Vijay Merchant 106*, Vijay Hazare 45*). Sun, 04 Nov - day 3 - India 1st innings 418/6 (Vijay Hazare 164*, Hemu Adhikari 38*). Mon, 05 Nov - rest day. Tue, 06 ...
[34]
Vijay Merchant's technique was close to perfection: Madhav Apte
Oct 13, 2011 · Merchant was admired and respected as a batsman, knowledgeable cricketer, philanthropist, human being and revered as a legend.
[35]
Vijay Merchant has left behind a rich legacy of sporting and human ...
Oct 12, 2011 · The National Society for Equal Opportunities for the Handicapped (NASEOH) was founded by him as he led a crusade against the hardships faced ...
[36]
Madhav Mantri looks back at Vijay Merchant on his birth centenary
Oct 12, 2011 · In the 1944-45 Ranji Trophy final against Holkar, Merchant batted ... Merchant declared Hindus' first innings though he was batting on 250.Missing: debut | Show results with:debut
[37]
Vijay Merchant: The unsung architect of Indian batting - Counterview
Apr 21, 2025 · His technique was a study in balance and composure, a science of timing and patience that made him a master on both pristine and treacherous ...
[38]
MERCHANT THE MAN - One of the most distinctive cricketers to ...
Nov 19, 2011 · Vijay Merchant, whose birth centenary was (desultorily) observed last month, was the founder of one of the two Great Traditions of Indian cricket.
[39]
What Vijay did for us - ESPN
Oct 12, 2011 · "A batsman who is set must not lose his wicket. Let a bowler take his wicket." That was Merchant's principle. We never used to disperse after a ...
[40]
Vijay Merchant, Vijay Hazare, Lala Amarnath, Anthony de Mello
Jan 24, 2015 · There was a lot of mutual admiration between the two. While Hazare's respect for Merchant was well known, Merchant for his part, felt that the ...
[41]
None
### Summary of Vijay Merchant's Post-Retirement Administrative Roles and BCCI Involvement
[42]
TO BE OR NOT TO BE 'AN INDIAN CRICKET CAPTAIN'
Dec 17, 2021 · ... Vijay Merchant as Chairman of the selection committee, cast his deciding vote in favour of Ajit Wadekar who finally replaced Pataudi. This ...
[43]
Cricket and grassroots development in Mumbai, India - ResearchGate
Aug 6, 2025 · The introduction of structured school-level competitions such as the Vijay Merchant Trophy (U-16) and Cooch Behar Trophy (U-19) has enabled ...
[44]
https://indiancricketersassociation.com/to-be-or-not-to-be-an-indian-cricket-captain/
[45]
Vijay Merchant | Cricket Career Stats, Records, ICC Rankings | Wisden
Bowling Style Right-arm medium ; Playing Role Batter ; Teams represented. India ; Awards · Wisden Cricketers of the Year - 1937. Wisden India Hall of Fame - 2016.
[46]
Vijay Merchant Trophy (2025) | Premier Youth Cricket Tournament
The Vijay Merchant Trophy is a famous domestic event for under-16 cricket players. It is a key stepping stone for the next generation of Indian cricket stars.
[47]
Vijay Merchant Trophy - The Board of Control for Cricket in India
VIJAY MERCHANT TROPHY · Match Drawn Uttar Pradesh took first innings lead (Winners) · VIJAY MERCHANT TROPHY · Uttar Pradesh Won by 6 Wickets (Qualified) · VIJAY ...Missing: Xavier's exposure<|control11|><|separator|>
[48]
Is Sachin Tendulkar the greatest schoolboy cricketer ever?
Nov 12, 2009 · Playing in the Vijay Merchant tournament he scored 130 and 107 and then at the Inter-Zonal stage he made 117 against the champions, East Zone.Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
[49]
Mushtaq, Merchant were a fine combination - Rediff.com
Jun 18, 2005 · Mushtaq, in his tribute to Merchant after the latter's death in 1987, had written, in a special booklet brought out in Merchant's memory ...<|separator|>