S. Venkataraghavan’s extraordinary feat of dismissing all 11 New Zealand batsmen in a Test match during the 1964-65 series in Delhi is one of the rarest and most remarkable achievements in cricket history. This unique performance established him as one of the greatest bowlers India has produced and added a special place to his legacy in the cricketing world.
Special Feat: Venkataraghavan dismissed all 11 New Zealand batsmen in the match, a rare achievement in Test cricket.
The India vs. New Zealand Test series of 1964-65 was an important series, with India looking to strengthen its position in world cricket.
Venkataraghavan, known for his accurate off-spin bowling, was one of the leading spinners of the Indian team at the time. In this particular match, he delivered a performance that would be remembered for generations.
First Innings: In the first innings, Venkataraghavan claimed 6 wickets for 70 runs, helping India bowl out New Zealand for 160.
Second Innings: In the second innings, he took 6 wickets for 82 runs, dismissing New Zealand for 178.
Total Performance: In total, Venkataraghavan took 12 wickets for 152 runs across both innings, a phenomenal achievement in Test cricket. What made this even more remarkable was that he dismissed all 11 New Zealand batsmen during the course of the match, with one of the wickets being a run-out.
Becoming the Second Bowler to Dismiss All 11 Batsmen: Venkataraghavan’s performance made him just the second bowler in history to dismiss all 11 batsmen in a Test match, after Jim Laker of England. Jim Laker had previously achieved this remarkable feat during the 1956 Ashes series when he took all 10 wickets in a Test innings against Australia at Old Trafford, and also dismissed all 11 Australian batsmen in the match.
One of Only Six Bowlers: Venkataraghavan’s feat placed him in an exclusive club of only six bowlers in the history of Test cricket who have dismissed all 11 batsmen in a match. The others include Jim Laker, M. Muralitharan, Anil Kumble, Daryl Tuffey, and Richard Hadlee.
Match-Winning Performance: Venkataraghavan’s outstanding performance with the ball helped India secure an important victory over New Zealand. India won the match by a substantial margin, and Venkataraghavan’s contribution was crucial to India’s success.
Bowling Skill and Precision: As an off-spinner, Venkataraghavan was known for his accuracy, control, and ability to extract turn from the pitch. In this match, he demonstrated all these attributes to perfection. His ability to consistently hit the right areas and apply pressure was key to his success in dismantling the New Zealand batting line-up.
Rare Cricketing Feat: Dismissing all 11 batsmen in a Test match is a rare feat in world cricket, and only a select few bowlers have been able to accomplish this. Venkataraghavan’s achievement stood out in an era when Indian cricket was still striving to establish itself as a global powerhouse, and it highlighted his immense talent as a bowler.
International Career: S. Venkataraghavan played for India from 1965 to 1978, establishing himself as one of the country’s premier spinners during the 1960s and 1970s. He was known for his exceptional control and intelligence as a bowler, and his skill at spinning the ball both ways made him a valuable asset to the Indian team.
Test Stats: Over his career, Venkataraghavan played in 57 Test matches, taking 156 wickets at an average of 35.53. His contribution to Indian cricket was immense, and his performances in domestic cricket also helped elevate him to national prominence.
Recognition: Venkataraghavan’s performance in the Delhi Test is considered one of the finest individual performances in Indian cricket. It is a remarkable example of the importance of accuracy and patience in spin bowling.
Later Years and Retirement: After retiring from active playing, Venkataraghavan also contributed to Indian cricket in various capacities, including as an umpire and administrator. He went on to serve as the chairman of the National Cricket Academy and continued to have a significant role in the growth of Indian cricket.
Jim Laker’s 1956 Feat: The first instance of a bowler dismissing all 11 batsmen came from Jim Laker, who took 19 wickets in a Test match against Australia in 1956, including all 10 wickets in a single innings. Venkataraghavan’s feat came much later, but it cemented his place as one of cricket’s legends.
S. Venkataraghavan’s achievement of taking 12 wickets for 152 runs and dismissing all 11 New Zealand batsmen in the 1964-65 Test series in Delhi remains one of the rarest and most incredible performances in the history of Test cricket. His accuracy, skill, and composure on that occasion helped India secure a resounding victory over New Zealand and etched his name in the annals of cricketing history. Venkataraghavan’s achievement stands as a testament to his exceptional skill as a bowler and is a significant milestone in the history of Indian cricket.
