Cricket History and Facts

The 1983 World Cup final playing XI was: Gavaskar, Srikkanth, Amarnath, Sandhu, Yashpal, Patil, Azad, Kapil Dev, Madan Lal, Binny, and Kirmani. Ravi Shastri was the 12th man and did not play in the final. Kirti Azad, Sandhu (Balwinder Sandhu), and Yashpal Sharma all played.

Kapil Dev did score 175* off 138 balls vs Zimbabwe at Tunbridge Wells in the 1983 World Cup, rescuing India from 17/5. However, his century came in 72 balls, which was NOT the fastest ODI century at the time - that record belonged to Clive Richards (West Indies, 1974, 55 balls). The statement incorrectly claims it was the fastest.

Ravi Shastri hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket during the Ranji Trophy in 1984-85, playing for Baroda against Bombay. Kapil Dev never achieved this feat in first-class cricket, Ajay Jadeja and Gambhir also did not hit six sixes in an over in first-class matches.

RG Nadkarni, an Indian left-arm spinner, achieved the record of bowling 21 successive maiden overs in a Test match against England in Madras (1964). This is one of the most remarkable feats in Test cricket history. Subash Gupte, Maninder Singh, and EAS Prasanna were all quality spinners but did not achieve this specific record.

Sunil Gavaskar scored his only ODI century (103*) against New Zealand in the 1987 World Cup. Remarkably, given his test prowess, this was his sole one-day hundred in his entire ODI career spanning 108 matches. Australia, West Indies, and South Africa were not the teams against whom he scored this lone century.

Ravi Shastri was awarded the 'Champion of Champions' (Player of the Tournament) in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket in Australia for his exceptional all-round performance. He scored 182 runs and took 8 wickets in the tournament, playing a crucial role in India's victory. Mohinder Amarnath was Player of the Match in the 1983 World Cup final, while Kapil Dev was the captain in both tournaments.

Anil Kumble is the only Indian cricketer among these options who fits all three descriptions. He captained India (2007-2008), famously bowled with a broken jaw against the West Indies in 2002 (the famous 'bandaged warrior' moment), and 'Anil Kumble Circle' is a well-known traffic junction in his hometown Bangalore.

Sandeep Patil achieved the world record of hitting six fours in an over (against England's Bob Willis in 1982-83), acted in the film 'Maalamal' (1988), authored a book, and briefly edited a magazine. Kris Srikkanth was also a dashing opener of the 1980s but doesn't match the other accomplishments mentioned.

None of the listed Indian cricketers (MAK Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev) were ever designated as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year. The first Indians to receive this honor were Vinoo Mankad (1970), followed by others like Farokh Engineer (1973), Bishen Singh Bedi (1976), and Sunil Gavaskar (1980).

Vinoo Mankad and Pankaj Roy set the record for the highest opening partnership in Test cricket with 413 runs against New Zealand in Chennai (then Madras) in 1956. This legendary partnership stood as a benchmark for opening batsmen for decades.

Vinoo Mankad and Pankaj Roy set the record for the highest opening partnership in Test cricket with 413 runs against New Zealand in Chennai (then Madras) in 1956. This legendary partnership stood as a benchmark for opening batsmen for decades.

Sachin Tendulkar scored the first half-century of IPL 2009 (IPL season 2). The question refers to "first 50" meaning first half-century, not exactly 50 runs. This is a factual IPL record.

Irfan Pathan was awarded Man of the Match in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup 2007 final between India and Pakistan. He took 3/16 in his 4 overs, including key wickets. While Dhoni was captain and Gambhir scored 75, Pathan's bowling performance earned him the award.

In the Titan Cup final held at Bangalore in 1996/97, India defeated South Africa by 35 runs. Sachin Tendulkar scored a century and was the man of the match in this victory.

Andy Bichel was the Man of the Match in Australia's 2003 World Cup game against New Zealand. He took 3 wickets for 20 runs and scored a valuable 64 runs coming in at number 8, playing a crucial all-round role in Australia's victory.