Deepak Shodhan, India's Oldest Living Test Cricketer, Dies

Deepak Shodhan, India's oldest living Test cricketer, has died. The first Indian to score a century in his first Test innings on debut, Shodhan was 87 and was suffering from lung cancer.

Shodhan lived in Ahmedabad. The lung cancer was detected in February. A left-handed batsman, who also bowled left-arm medium pace, his full name was Roshan Harshadlal Shodhan. He played for Baroda and Gujarat.

Deepak Shodhan played three Tests. In four innings, he scored 181 runs with a best of 110. He played 43 first-class games, scoring 1,802 runs with a highest of 261. He also took 73 first-class wickets.

Deepak Shodhan made a remarkable Test debut under Lala Amarnath's captaincy. He took full opportunity of a lucky debut after original captain Vijay Hazare pulled out of the game due to illness.

In his first innings of his first Test against Pakistan in December 1952, Shodhan was the last man out for 110. He came into bat at No. 8 with India reeling at 179 for six.

Shodhan struck 15 fours and his seventh-wicket stand with Dattu Phadkar produced 86 runs. It was the second best partnership of the match, which finally ended in a draw.

He played his last Test against the West Indies in Sabina Park, Jamaica in April 1953. It was a six-day Test match. Shodhan failed to bat in the first innings as he was ill. However, in the second innings, he came out to bat at No. 10 and remained unbeaten on 15. The match ended in a draw.