Eknath Solkar - A Lifestory
India'S Fielding Wizard: Safe Hands, Matchwinning Catches
Eknath Dhondu Solkar was a prominent figure in Indian cricket, renowned primarily for his exceptional fielding abilities, particularly in the closecatching positions. Born on March 18, 1948, and passing away on November 26, 2005, his career spanned from the late 1960s to the mid1970s, a period when India was establishing itself as a force in international cricket. While a useful leftarm orthodox spinner and a handy lowerorder batsman, it was his fielding that truly set him apart. Solkar played 27 Test matches for India, becoming a vital component of the spin quartetdominated bowling attack, comprising Bishen Singh Bedi, E.A.S. Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan. He provided crucial support by snapping up catches off their bowling, often at short leg and silly point, positions demanding exceptional reflexes, anticipation, and courage.
His agility and bravery in these highpressure situations were legendary. Solkar's contributions extended beyond fielding. He accumulated 1,068 Test runs with a highest score of 102 not out, demonstrating his ability to contribute valuable runs when needed. He also took 18 wickets, adding depth to the Indian bowling attack. Although his international career was relatively brief, his impact on Indian cricket was significant. He exemplified the importance of fielding in a team's success and inspired generations of cricketers to prioritize this oftenunderappreciated aspect of the game. He remains a celebrated figure in Indian cricket history, remembered for his dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to the team.
