Vinoo Mankad

Vinoo Mankad was an Indian all-rounder and one of the country's earliest great cricketers, whose name is attached to the 'Mankading' run-out method.

Mulvantrai Himmatlal "Vinoo" Mankad was born on 12 April 1917 in Jamnagar, in the Bombay Presidency of British India, and developed into one of the finest all-rounders in the early history of Indian cricket, making his Test debut against England in 1946. Mankad captained India across a 44-Test career, and set a world record opening partnership of 413 runs alongside Pankaj Roy in 1956, a record that stood unbroken for 52 years, showcasing his exceptional skill as both a batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler. Mankad's name became permanently attached to a method of dismissal after he ran out Australia's Bill Brown at the non-striker's end for backing up too far during a 1947 tour match, a legitimate but controversial dismissal that has since been known throughout the sport as "mankading." Mankad died on 21 August 1978, at age 61, in Bombay, and was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in June 2021. His son, Ashok, also played Test cricket for India, and his grandson, Harsh, continued the family's cricketing legacy, cementing the Mankad name as one of the most significant in the sport's history.

Mankad was a skilled left-arm orthodox spinner with excellent control and flight, capable of bowling long spells with consistent accuracy. As a batsman, he was a reliable left-hander who could anchor an innings and contribute valuable runs down the order.

Mankad's name lives on in cricket terminology, with 'Mankading' referring to the dismissal of a non-striker who backs up too far before the ball is bowled.

• Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1947
• held the world record Test opening partnership (413 with Pankaj Roy) for decades
• ICC Cricket Hall of Fame