Eknath Solkar

Born in Mumbai in 1948, Eknath Solkar is best remembered for his outstanding catches that helped India achieve their first series win against England in 1971. Making his first class debut for Mumbai in 1965, Solkar went on to make his Test debut against a visiting New Zealand four years later. Known as an all-rounder, his highest score of 102 came against a touring West Indies at his home ground. In the famous win at the Oval in 1971, Solkar registered his best bowling figures of 3/38 and also took some brilliant catches. In his 27 Test matches, Solkar took 53 catches, the best ratio for catches per Test-match among non-wicket-keepers with 20 or more Tests. Solkar also played for English county side Sussex alongside England player Tony Greig who credited him as, "Solkar was the best forward short leg I've ever seen." Solkar did not enjoy a remarkable journey in the ODI format. He played only 7 games before retiring in 1976. A year later, he decided to hang up his boots from the longest format of the game as well. At the age of 57, Eknath Solkar passed away in Mumbai.