Sandeep Patil Biography: Life Story, Career, Records, Family & Achievements
Introduction
Sandeep Patil is a former Indian cricketer, coach, and selector best known for his aggressive batting style and fearless approach. A middle-order batsman, he was part of India’s historic 1983 World Cup-winning squad and was admired for his attacking stroke play, especially against fast bowlers. Post-retirement, Patil remained deeply connected to cricket as a coach, commentator, administrator, and later as the Chairman of Selectors for the Indian team.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Sandeep Madhusudan Patil
- Date of Birth: 18 August 1956
- Birthplace: Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
Physical Appearance
- Height: 6 feet (183 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 80 kg
- Hair Color: Black (later grey)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Sandeep Patil was born in Mumbai and grew up in a cricket-loving environment. He attended Ruparel College and soon became known for his attacking batting style. He idolized aggressive stroke-makers and carried the same flair into his cricket career.
Domestic Career
- Represented Mumbai in Ranji Trophy.
- Scored heavily in domestic cricket, known for big-hitting and counter-attacking batting.
- Played county cricket in England for Staffordshire and in Australia for Victoria, showcasing his adaptability in foreign conditions.
International Career
Debut Matches
- Test Debut: 15 January 1980 vs Pakistan.
- ODI Debut: 6 December 1980 vs Australia.
Career Highlights
- Played 29 Tests, scoring 1,588 runs with 4 centuries and 7 fifties.
- Played 45 ODIs, scoring 1,005 runs with 9 fifties.
- Known for his fearless 174 against Australia at Adelaide (1981), countering fast bowlers like Dennis Lillee.
- Scored a quick 129 against Australia at Chepauk (1982)* in a memorable ODI knock.
- Part of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, contributing valuable runs in crucial matches.
Records & Achievements
- One of the first Indian batsmen to counter genuine pace with aggression.
- Played memorable attacking knocks in Tests and ODIs during the early 1980s.
- Member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team.
- Scored over 9,000 runs in first-class cricket, including multiple double centuries.
Coaching & Administration
- Served as coach of the Indian cricket team (1996).
- Later became Chairman of Selectors (2012–2016), overseeing India’s transition under MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.
- Headed the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Personal Life
Sandeep Patil is married to Deepa Patil, and they have two sons. His son, Chirag Patil, is an actor who played his father’s role in the Bollywood film 83 (2021), which depicted India’s World Cup triumph.
Legacy
Sandeep Patil is remembered as one of India’s most fearless and stylish batsmen of the 1980s. His aggressive batting inspired future generations of stroke-makers. Beyond his playing career, his work as a coach, selector, and administrator significantly shaped Indian cricket’s progress.
FAQs
Q1: What is Sandeep Patil most famous for?
He is best known for his aggressive batting, especially his 174 against Australia in 1981, and for being part of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team.
Q2: Did Sandeep Patil play county cricket?
Yes, he played for Staffordshire in England and Victoria in Australia.
Q3: How many runs did he score in international cricket?
He scored 1,588 runs in Tests and 1,005 runs in ODIs.
Q4: Did Patil contribute to cricket after retirement?
Yes, he became India’s coach, Chairman of Selectors, and NCA head.
Q5: Was Sandeep Patil connected to the movie 83?
Yes, his son Chirag Patil portrayed him in the Bollywood film 83 (2021).
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