In the following article some of the prominent Sikh cricketers who had the privilege to play at the highest level of the game for India are mentioned.
Lall Singh: This was the first time a Sikh was representing India in Test cricket, which came in 1930 against England. He was an outstanding fielder and his sensational catch in his debut Test dismissed Frank Woolley. Lall Singh played in 3 Tests for India and was famous for his field athletics.
Yadavindra Singh: The Maharaja of Patiala, in 1934, played a single Test match for India versus England. He was a good batsman and even though he was a member of a royal family he earned a place in the team of the nation without his title. Yadavindra Singh’s only Test match scoring 45 runs and captaining the Patiala team after he had finished international cricket.
Balwinder Sandhu: A fast bowler who represented India from 1981 to 1984, getting 18 wickets in 11 Tests. He was part of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad and played his final international against West Indies. Sandhu, an ex- Indian player, troubled the best batsmen with his pace and bounce.
Navjot Singh Sidhu: One of the most recognizable Sikh cricketers, he played 51 Tests and 136 ODIs between 1983-1999. A top order batsman known for his flamboyant stroke-play, he scored over 3000 runs in Tests. Navjot Singh Sidhu was also known for his entertaining commentary style post retirement.
Harbhajan Singh: Commonly known as Bhajji, he is India’s third highest wicket taker in Tests with 417 scalps. One of the best off-spinners of his generation, he was a vital cog of India’s rise as a major cricketing power in the late 90s and 2000s. Harbhajan Singh played a key role in India’s historic Test wins in Australia and England.
Maninder Singh: The stylish middle order batsman played 3 ODIs for India in 1983-84 against West Indies. He scored his only international half-century in an ODI in Ahmedabad. Maninder Singh was a prolific run scorer for Haryana in domestic cricket.
Gursharan Singh: Although he did not play any international matches, he was selected as 12th man for India on the 1983-84 tour of West Indies where 3 Sikhs represented the national team. Gursharan Singh later became an umpire and stood in several domestic matches in India.
These were some of the prominent Sikhs who had the honour of donning the Indian jersey and making the country proud with their performances over the years. Their contribution to Indian cricket has been immense.
