A fearless batsman, A.G. Milkha Singh’s batting, according to those who witnessed him at his peak, had the grace and flow of a natural. And there was a heart and feel to his cricket; he conjured runs rather than construct them.
Sadly, Milkha, one of Tamil Nadu’s most charismatic cricketers, passed away following a cardiac arrest here on Friday morning. He was 75.
An elegant left-handed batsman with the gift of timing, Milkha figured in four Tests for India. Although his success at the international stage was limited with a highest score of 35, many believed Milkha would have blossomed in Test cricket had he been given a longer run.
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Having made his Ranji debut at just 17, the precociously talented Milkha was only 18 when he wore the India cap. He matured with experience but did not receive another opportunity after the early bunch of Tests between 1960 and ’61.
Milkha belonged to an illustrious cricketing family that embraced the city’s cricketing ethos and culture after emigrating here from Amristar in 1904.
His elder brother Kripal Singh, a technically accomplished batsman, notched up a century on Test debut while younger sibling, the fleet-footed Satwender Singh, was a fine stroke-maker for Tamil Nadu (then Madras). And their father A.G. Ram Singh was an outstanding left-arm spinning all-rounder for the State.
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Although Milkha’s grandfather Jwala Singh set up an electrical wiring business here, the family went on to make cricketing history. Milkha, Kripal and Satwender played together in the Ranji Trophy. And Kripal’s son Arjan too turned out for Tamil Nadu and South Zone.
Milkha’s numbers in first class cricket — 4324 runs in 88 matches at 35.44 — are rather impressive but don’t tell the entire story.
This flamboyant batsman batted on days of spicy wickets and top-notch bowlers in domestic cricket. Milkha made runs when it mattered for his State and Zone.
He also found joy in his cricket. Milkha said to this writer once about his batting in the Sport and Pastime Trophy at the Marina ground. “I used to love hitting sixes that cleared the ground and landed on the road!”
Satwender told The Hindu , “I was very close to Milkha as he was my immediate brother. He cared for me, would coach me. He was such a lovely batsman to watch with those cover drives. I remember him playing Prasanna and Chandrasekhar on turning tracks with such ease.”
Former India leg-spinner V.V. Kumar said, “He had this languid left-handed elegance, could play on the toughest of pitches, and batted according to the merit of the ball. He was the most stylish left-hander of his time.”
Milkha was a kind-hearted man too. Satwender said, “He had a rough exterior but would shed tears if he witnessed something that moved him. He was generous, helped the needy youngsters.”
Acknowledging his contribution, the BCCI and the TNCA condoled Milkha’s death.
Milkha was one of a kind – a dashing, flamboyant batsman who travelled beyond numbers.