On a dignified Monday evening event, the cricket fraternity of India assembled to celebrate the sport’s legends as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) bestowed the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award and other notable honours upon distinguished cricketers. This supreme accolade, named after India’s maiden Test captain Col CK Nayudu, was awarded to two exceptional personalities of the cricket world: Ravi Shastri and Farokh Engineer.
Ravi Shastri, part of the World Cup-winning squad of 1983 and a revered figure in coaching, led the Indian cricket team as head coach to two significant series triumphs against Australia on their soil. In parallel, the legendary Farokh Engineer represented India in 46 Test matches, amassing 2611 runs. Not just the international stage, but also in first-class cricket, Engineer shone bright with over 13000 runs scored. These two cricketing stalwarts now join the elite cadre of cricketers immortalised by receiving the award that commemorates Col CK Nayudu.
Delving into history, one might question, who was CK Nayudu and why does his name command such respect in Indian cricket annals? Born on October 31, 1895, into a lineage of lawyers, Nayudu left an indelible mark on the cricket pitch rather than the courtroom. His first-class career was nothing short of epic, spanning a world record period of 47 years from his debut in 1916 until his last bow in 1963. Nayudu had the unique distinction of leading India as the first-ever captain in their inaugural Test tour of England in 1932.
Nayudu’s father, Surya Prakash Rao Nayudu, beckoned him towards aggressive batting – a role he embraced so flawlessly that he became synonymous with formidable sixes. His first scoring shot in first-class cricket was, fittingly, a six. However, perhaps the most iconic moment of his career was the blistering century he scored for the Hindus against the Marylebone Cricket Club in the 1926/27 series at Bombay Gymkhana. Garnering a century in a mere 66 minutes and completing his innings at 153 runs in 116 minutes, it was a performance that earned him a Silver bat from the MCC. That innings not only showcased Nayudu’s prowess but also accelerated India’s journey to being recognised as a Test-playing nation.
British journalist Simon Barnes, while contributing to the Wisden India Almanack 2016, noted the monumental impact of Nayudu’s approach, stating that it broke the stereotypical image of Indian cricketers and resonated with a sense of extravagance and flamboyance.
CK Nayudu’s love for the big shots is such that one of his sixes was estimated to fly a stupefying 140 meters, surpassing the boundaries of Chepauk Stadium by an additional 46 meters. This heroic feat occurred in a match against Europeans in December 1920, accompanying a splendid score of 120 runs. He not only captained India in four Test matches but also etched memorable innings that spoke volumes of his tenacity and determination. One such partnership worth mentioning was with Lala Amarnath, where they stitched together 186 runs against England in 1933-34. Notably, even at his last Test appearance in 1936, he managed to score a gritty 81 against the bowling of Gubby Allen.
Continuing his cricket journey post-international retirement, Nayudu’s leadership led his team Holkar to eight Ranji Trophy finals within nine years. Remaining active in first-class cricket, he achieved the rare milestone of scoring a double century in the domestic competition after crossing the age of 50. Eventually, Nayudu stepped into cricket administration, serving as the vice-president of BCCI and as the chief national selector.
To honor this storied icon, BCCI instituted the prestigious CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994. Lala Amarnath, Nayudu’s contemporary and partner in many cricketing battles, was the first recipient. This award is a testament not merely to the cricketing exploits but the enduring impact left by icons like CK Nayudu on India’s cricket history and its evolution to the global stage it now commands.
