Dilip Vengsarkar Biography: Life Story, Career, Records, Family & Achievements
Introduction
Dilip Balwant Vengsarkar, popularly known as the “Colonel”, is one of India’s most elegant and technically sound batsmen. A key member of the Indian team during the 1970s and 1980s, he is remembered for his graceful stroke play, particularly his trademark cover drives. Vengsarkar was also a vital part of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning squad and later contributed to Indian cricket as a selector, administrator, and mentor.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Dilip Balwant Vengsarkar
- Date of Birth: 6 April 1956
- Birthplace: Rajapur, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Zodiac Sign: Aries
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 72 kg
- Hair Color: Black (later grey)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Born in Rajapur, Maharashtra, Vengsarkar grew up in Mumbai, where he developed his cricketing skills. He gained attention as a stylish young batsman in local tournaments, especially after his dazzling century in the 1975 Irani Trophy, which earned him a place in the national team.
Domestic Career
- Represented Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, scoring heavily across seasons.
- Scored over 17,000 first-class runs, including 55 centuries.
- Known as one of the most consistent performers in Indian domestic cricket history.
International Career
Debut Matches
- Test Debut: 24 January 1976 vs New Zealand.
- ODI Debut: 21 February 1976 vs New Zealand.
Career Highlights
- Played 116 Tests, scoring 6,868 runs at an average of 42.13, including 17 centuries.
- Played 129 ODIs, scoring 3,508 runs with 1 century and 23 fifties.
- Famous for his superb record at Lord’s, where he scored three consecutive Test centuries — earning him the title “Lord of Lord’s”.
- Member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning squad under Kapil Dev.
- Ranked among the world’s top batsmen during the mid-1980s.
Records & Achievements
- First overseas batsman to score three consecutive centuries at Lord’s.
- Scored over 10,000 international runs across formats.
- Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1987).
- Part of India’s historic 1983 World Cup-winning team.
- Awarded the Arjuna Award (1981) and the Padma Shri (1987).
Post-Retirement Contributions
- Served as the Chairman of Selectors (2006–2008), credited for backing young players like MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, and Virat Kohli.
- Runs the Elf-Vengsarkar Cricket Academy in Mumbai, nurturing future stars.
- Served as Vice-President of the Mumbai Cricket Association.
Personal Life
Dilip Vengsarkar is married to Manali Vengsarkar, and the couple has children. He continues to stay connected with cricket through his academy and administrative roles.
Legacy
Dilip Vengsarkar is remembered as one of India’s most stylish and dependable middle-order batsmen, a hero of the 1983 World Cup, and a visionary selector who shaped the future of Indian cricket. His centuries at Lord’s remain iconic, and his name is synonymous with grace, consistency, and cricketing intellect.
FAQs
Q1: Why is Dilip Vengsarkar called “Lord of Lord’s”?
Because he scored three consecutive Test centuries at Lord’s, a unique achievement by an overseas batsman.
Q2: How many runs did Vengsarkar score in Tests?
He scored 6,868 runs in 116 Test matches.
Q3: Was Vengsarkar part of the 1983 World Cup squad?
Yes, he was a key member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team.
Q4: Did Vengsarkar serve Indian cricket after retirement?
Yes, he became the Chairman of Selectors and started the Elf-Vengsarkar Academy to train young cricketers.
Q5: What awards has he received?
He was honored with the Arjuna Award (1981) and the Padma Shri (1987).
