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India news
Former India allrounder Surti dies at 76
ESPNcricinfo staff
January 13, 2013
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Tributes : India's answer to Garry Sobers Players/Officials:
Rusi Surti
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Former India allrounder Rusi Surti, 76, died this morning in Mumbai. The Queensland, Australia-based Surti had been put on life support in hospital after scans revealed he had suffered a massive stroke.
Surti, often called the "poor man's Garry Sobers", played 26 Tests for India from 1960 to 1969 before settling in Australia. He represented Queensland 35 times in the Sheffield Shield and also played for Gujarat and Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy.
A sound left-hand batsman, a left-arm bowler who could bowl either medium-pace or spin and an outstanding fielder, Surti rendered valuable service to Indian cricket almost throughout the 1960s. He scored 1263 Test runs at an average of 28.70 and a highest score of 99 while also taking 42 wickets at 46.71.
Having debuted against Pakistan in Mumbai, Surti peaked on the tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1967-68. In the eight Tests he was the most successful run-getter with 688 runs at 45.50 and also picked up 22 wickets. In the fourth and final Test against New Zealand at Auckland, he was out for 99 which remained his highest Test score.
Back home, Surti played two more Tests against New Zealand and one against Australia in 1969-70. By this time, he was representing Queensland in the Sheffield Shield and remained out of contention for India thereafter.
His first-class career, which included six centuries, stretched from 1956 to 1972, with a debut for Gujarat against Bombay at the Brabourne Stadium and a final appearance for Queensland against South Australia at the Gabba.
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He was the last Parsi all-rounder from India in Test Cricket. He was one the last three Parsi "Dashing Debonairs" of Test Cricket along with Polly Umrigar and late Farokh Engineer. He was most unfortunate to miss his Test century by a run against New Zealand. He was an excellent fielder, a tiger ready to pounce at the "Silly Mid-off" position standing a few feet away from the best of the batsmen. He came from a family of cricketers. Eruch his late brother was also Test class material. Rusi Sorabji
Simply superb fielder. In the class of Eknath Solkar. Fielded close in as well as in the outfield.
Could bowl medium pace and spin. Batted reasonably well. Always played for his team, never for himself.
Indeed, the poor man's Sobers.
RIP, Rusi Surti. I will always remember you fondly. Like when you turned out for Parsi Cyclists in the Kanga League at the Azad Maidan.
Those were the days when cricketers were not pampered.
One of the most stylish & flambouyant Indian All Rounders who always did something either in batting, bowling or fielding. His movement was graceful as Sobers' with the same stiff Collar & agility.Such style is a God given talent & cannot be created. He could bowl 3 in one as a bowler & bat aggressively or defensively. His fielding either in covers or close in was phenomenon with brilliant pick up & throw - a treat to watch!. He would have been a cut above any all rounder in the present Indian team because he played his heart out. Sadly, guys like Surti & many former greats like Merchant, Hazare, Umrigar, Mankad, Gupte, Phadkar & many more never got their due because they lived in wrong era. These guys played truely for the love of Cricket & got pittance for their efforts. Surti played despite stiff competition from Durrani & Nadkarni- similar all rounders. His record is poor reflection of excitment he created as a cricketer.I will remember Surti as most flambouyant/exciting Cricketer!
Rusi Surti was an amazingly fearless all-rounder! He played in the 1960s: a transformational & unique era. Under Pataudi's bold captaincy, the players jelled into a multi-skilled & multi-ethnic team. Surti showed his incredible value with fearless batting against pace bowling, deceptive seam & spin bowling & agile fielding. What a priceless ODI player he'd have made - plugging that huge "all-rounder" hole - in today's Team India! In those days it was not unusual to see a Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Parsi & Sikh - a "Pentangular" - on the same team! Colour & flair too! In the 1962 WI tour, the unique Parsi quartet - Nari Contractor, Polly Umrigar, Farokh Engineer & Surti - all in the same playing XI! When Contractor got seriously hurt, Pataudi became accidental captain! Unity in diversity! The Parsis are high achievers - a community that's made invaluable contributions to India's progress far beyond its numbers. How India yearns for more Parsi cricketers to emerge. Just like Rusi Surti!!!
Posted by 270380 on (January 15, 2013, 10:03 GMT)Dear Mr. Rusi Sorabji, Engineer is alive. May he live more. These were dynamic cricketers who loved the game more than themselves.
Posted byRF Surti was Indeed India;s Sobers of his times. Before Ekky Solkar he was the one who was a great fielder in any position for India (Tiger Pataudi excluded). He was one of those men who gave his all and chipped in with the bat or ball or on the field and thus contributed his mite to the team in all conditions. Thanks for the memories. Respect. RIP Rusi Surti!
Posted by farhan_arshi on (January 14, 2013, 9:07 GMT)@Rusi Sorabji- Late Farokh Engineer?? He is still alive.
Rest in Peace Rusi Surti Sir.
Posted byLoss of a legendary of his kind....
Posted by Yarms on (January 14, 2013, 7:45 GMT)Sad to hear about Rusi Surti. Whilst I never watched him play I heard many stories about him from my late Father who was of his generation....condolences to his family.
It's would be interesting if Cricinfo would do an article on Parsi cricketers at one time many represented India but none since Farokh Engineer that I can recall. I wonder why?
Posted byIn those days when the Indian fielding was 'naam -ke -wasthe', Surti stood out as a superb fielder. The 67-68 tour of Aus. and NZ saw him at his best. R.I.P.