I have been watching Indian cricket for almost 35 years and in my opinion, I think we were very unfortunate that the career of Azhar had to come to and end much before time. We do not know what actually happened, because in India, nobody is given a fair trial. In my opinion, Azhar is the best batsman that India has produced so far. In fact, in almost all of his centuries, if you look at Azhar's reaction after reaching his 100, you will find no trace of any ego in it. Even a Tendulkar or a Ganguly showed a lot of emotion after reaching their centuries. This is true of Kapil Dev also. We speak of a run a ball or faster these days. But in the case of Kapil, all his runs in both test & one day games were made at a frenetic pace at more than a run a ball. I wonder there is so much hype about a Kohli or a Tendulkar when we have not seen them perform against the likes of a Rpberts or a Lillee or an Imran Khan or a Hadlee or an Ian Botham for that matter even a Bob Willis. Though Kapil is definitely the best cricketer India has produced, I wonder why Sachin was given the Bharat Ratan ahead of Kapil. If it is a case of humility in the midst of achievements you only have to see Kapil's face when he received the World Cup Trophy in 1983. You cannot see an iota of ego in him, only true joy. I wish this comment of mine was posted in sites which would be noticed by the cricketing fraternity
I remember this match..Sachin and azhar scored allmost 6 runs per over and added 200+ runs in 2 sessions.. best counter attacking batting by an indian pair against quality bowling attack..
Azhar is the most stylish batsmen and cricketer ever. That's why he is my all time favourite cricketer. Even if he scores 20 runs its enough for the audience enjoy classic strokeplay. Truly a legend. I Salute Azhar.
The thing is quite a few people do play wristy stroke.. VVS, Mark Waugh, Amla, but none can create that elegance and panache. the grace Azza has no one can/does and thats what makes him magic...his own class ! also he was always humble on the field rarely showed anger or emotion.. played the game like it should. Gentlemen way ! i guess once a fan of Azza always a fan.. coz nothing else appeals you !
I never saw such a brutal counter attack by a sub continent player in South Africa, Azhar used to play very well abroad on bouncier tracks and seaming ones
I was in school during his time.. I played stomach ache drama in school to be sent back from school so that i could see Azhar batting... Truly a legend and inspiration for millions
When ur side is 59/5 a man comes out after losing his captaincy makes a 100(96) on a seaming pitch against Donald, Pollock, Klusenar, Paul Adams. Man he should be something
No one can bat like azhar. Such were those days. Now no one has such class. Today's batsmen are like robots. Even commentators vouch for. Best batsman ever
I stopped watching cricket after Azhar s carrier came to end . True legend pure grace to watch . Those days single handedly fought many matches and won for team India
