13 Facts About Vijay Merchant

Vijay Merchant is regarded as the founder of the Bombay School of Batsmanship, that placed more importance on right technique, steely temperament, and conservative approach rather than free flow of the bat.

Vijay Merchant was born in Bombay, into a wealthy Gujarati family in 1911.

Vijay Merchant was an "outstanding college cricketer" who captained Sydenham College, while studying there; his success for Sydenham led to selection for Hindus cricket team during the 1929 Bombay Quadrangular.

Vijay Merchant continued to play for Sydenham and in 1931 he set the record in Bombay inter-collegiate cricket by scoring 504 runs and taking 29 wickets.

Vijay Merchant's continued success in domestic cricket resulted in the call to the India national team to play against the visiting English team at Bombay Gymkhana, which was the first Test to be played on Indian soil.

Less than a month later, Vijay Merchant topped that by amassing 359 not out against Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy, setting a then record for the highest score in Indian first-class cricket.

Vijay Merchant missed tours to Australia and the West Indies due to poor health.

However, Vijay Merchant went out to score 154 in his last Test match against England in Delhi, which was his highest Test score.

Vijay Merchant went on to become a cricket administrator, broadcaster, writer and national selector, and charitable advocate of the handicapped.

In India's domestic Ranji Trophy matches, Vijay Merchant fared even better, averaging 98.75 in 47 innings.

Vijay Merchant's record is especially impressive as his runs came at a time of uncovered wickets.

Vijay Merchant was one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1937.

Vijay Merchant is the oldest Indian player to score a Test century.