Narendra Hirwani had an extraordinary performance during the 1987-88 Test series against West Indies in Madras (now Chennai). He achieved one of the most remarkable bowling performances in Test cricket history, taking 16 wickets for 136 runs in the match.
Match: India vs West Indies
Venue: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu
Year: 1987-88
Wickets Taken: 16 wickets
First Innings: 8 wickets for 61 runs
Second Innings: 8 wickets for 75 runs
Total Runs Conceded: 136 runs (16 wickets in total)
Record-Breaking Figures:
Narendra Hirwani’s 16 wickets for 136 runs is the best match performance by an Indian bowler in Test cricket history. He became the first Indian bowler to take 8 wickets in each innings of a Test match. This incredible bowling performance helped him set a world record for the most wickets by a debutant in Test cricket (16 wickets in a match), a feat that still stands today.
Exploiting Conditions:
Hirwani, a leg-spinner, made full use of the spin-friendly conditions in Chennai. The West Indies team, which was known for its strong batting lineup, was undone by Hirwani’s skill and precision. His flight, turn, and accuracy made it almost impossible for the West Indies batsmen to settle.
Historic Debut:
This match is often regarded as one of the best debuts in the history of Test cricket. Hirwani’s performance was sensational, not just because of the sheer number of wickets but also because of the quality of the opposition—West Indies were one of the top cricketing sides at the time.
Impact on Indian Cricket:
Hirwani’s performance catapulted him into the spotlight and marked a significant achievement for Indian spin bowling. Although his career didn’t go on to reach the same heights consistently, this match remains one of the standout individual performances in Indian cricket.
The Legacy of the Performance:
Debut Success: Hirwani’s debut remains one of the most memorable bowling performances in Test cricket history. His ability to dismiss top-quality batsmen like Viv Richards and others showed his class and potential.
Indian Spin Bowling: Hirwani’s success also added to India’s tradition of producing world-class spinners, following in the footsteps of legendary figures like Bishan Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, and S. Venkataraghavan.
Hirwani’s 16 wickets for 136 runs remains one of the most impressive records in the history of Test cricket, and it continues to be a benchmark for aspiring spinners, especially in Indian conditions.
