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Azharuddin

India's "winningest" captain in both Tests and One-day internationals started his career in 1984-85 in a spectacular fashion, setting a world record by scoring a century in each of his first three Tests. A dashing, wristy and elegant Hyderabad batsman, Azharuddin for many years has formed the backbone of the Indian middle order batting. His wristy flicks, glances and drives are a veritable feast for the eye, and once in the groove he can be utterly unstoppable. He is an outstanding player of spin and medium-pace bowling, although in the past questions have been raised about his abilities when the ball is banged in short at great speeds. Also Azhar holds the world record for the highest number of runs in One-day ever! Azhar also is in the top 5 run-getters for India in tests! Azhar is often criticised for his inconsistentcy, but all in all he is India's all time greats!

He is also a top class fielder, posessing a safe pair of hands which pull off spectacular catches, tremendous pieces of ground fielding, and many a run outs with his trademark flick-of-the-wrist returns from gully and backward point. He bowled occasional brisk offspinners and medium-pace in one-day cricket until a back strain.

Azhar's Milestones

• Highest run-getter ever in the history of ODI cricket
• scored the fastest century ever by an Indian (62 balls)
• Azhar along with Jadeja were involved in the record breaking highest patnership of 275* runs for any wicket against Zimbabwe. Azhar scored 153* in that innings.
• Azhar was again involved in a record breaking patnership of 232 runs with Jadeja for the 5th wicket against Sri Lanka
• India's winningest Captain in both ODIs and Tests.
• holds the record for the most number of 50's and the most number of catches by an Indian. 
• Azhar has played more ODI matches than any other player in the history of the game.
• Also holds the record as the only player to score 3 centuries in his first 3 test innings.
• And is the second highest run-scorer in tests for India.

Azhar's Personal Info

Memorable Day: In college - scored 98 to break a bad patch.

Worst Day: Losing to Pakistan in 1986 Sharjah final. 

Heroes: Greg Chappell, Viv Richards, Gavaskar, Vishy, Zaheer. 

Greatest Influence: Grandfather and parents. 

Current Players Admired: Tendulkar, Akram, Martin Crowe. 

Future Cricketers: Kambli, Lara, Inzamam. 

Ambition: To score at least 25 test centuries. 

Favourite Ground: Adelaide Oval - for th atmosphere. 

Least Favourite Ground: Chinnaswamy, Bangalore (never done well) 

Biggest Complaint: Too much cricket. 

Changes to Improve: Popularise game in non test nations. 

Funniest Moment: Old Trafford, 1990. Ran into a dustbin fielding. 

Other Sports: Tennis, football (soccer) 

Hobbies: Collecting watches, designer clothes.