Former India all-rounder Syed Abid Ali passes away at 83

Former India cricketer Syed Abid Ali died at the age of 83 on Wednesday, March 12. One of the finest all-rounders of his era, Abid Ali represented India in 29 Tests and five ODIs between 1967 and 1975.

Regarded as one of the best fielders of his time, Abid Ali was a live wire on the field. With his effective medium pace and more-than-useful batting ability in the lower-middle order, he played a pivotal role in India’s historic victories in the West Indies and England in 1971.

Born on September 9, 1941, in Hyderabad, Abid Ali made an immediate impact on his maiden Test tour to Australia in



1967-68. In his debut Test in Adelaide, he picked up a six-wicket haul in the first innings and scored 33 runs in each innings, though India lost the match by 146 runs. He handled the baptism by fire in style, going on to register scores of 78 and 81 in a memorable outing in Sydney.

His five ODI appearances came in the inaugural men’s ODI World Cup in 1975. In a standout performance against New Zealand in Manchester, he scored a 98-ball 70 and took two wickets, showcasing his all-round skills. Many believe that, had he played in a more modern era, Abid Ali would have been among the finest all-rounders in white-ball cricket.