DILAWAR HUSSAIN, the unheralded scholar, activist, Test cricketer.
Lahore-born
Dr Dilawar Hussain (1907-1967) was
academically the most highly qualified of all Indian Test cricketers. His Test batting average of 42.33 is more than
most Indian Test batsmen. This intellectual, social activist was neglected even
in his prime by his peers, by the administrators as well as by the media!
The
heavily-built, rugged wicket-keeper made his Test debut at Eden Gardens on a
chilly winter morn in January 1934 against Douglas Jardine’s England. In both
the innings the debutant was the highest scorer for India with 59 and 57.
In
the first innings Dilawar Hussain received a nasty hit on the head from a
bumper when he was on 11. He had to retire. Returning from the hospital, his dogged
59 was the highest score of the innings.
My
father witnessed the match at Eden Gardens, “Salute to the guts and the
tenacity of the man. Blood dripping, forehead in bandage, team in tatters, stern
captain Jardine showing no mercy. But our man stood up like a real freedom
fighter. He took the deliveries on his body. Did not flinch even once. Showed
exemplary bravery and patience to hold fort. A genuine patriot. That’s the real
spirit of sports.” Those days the Indians took pride in speaking in terms of
struggles against the colonial masters.
Inspired
by dad’s words, as I delved into Dilawar Hussain’s life, I could only marvel at
the magnificent all-round personality and his immense contribution to society.
Following-on,
the brave man – head still swathed in bandage – came out to bat with India
reeling at 129 for 5. Batting alongside the descending order, Dilawar contributed
57, again the highest scorer. Instead of creating a lasting impression, this
achievement was never highlighted.
Next
Test at Chepauk, again Dilawar played two tenacious innings of 13 and 36 but
could not save India from a massive defeat.
In
1936 he was an obvious choice for the England tour. But the whimsical selection
policy left the team rudderless. Two debutant keepers –Hindlekar and Meherhomji
– shared the duties in the first 2 Tests. By the 3rd Test both were
injured. Suddenly someone remembered that Dilawar was also in England. Yes, he
was in England for his doctoral studies at Cambridge University.
In
the final Test at Oval, yet again he was his determined self with scores of 35
and 54. In England’s imposing total of 471, he gave not a single bye. For all
his courage and contribution, the name of Dilawar Hussain was never heard of again
as a Test cricketer! Omitted just after 3 Tests without a single failure!
At
6 feet 2 inches, his bulk and his bald pate gave him an imposing presence! Dilawar
came from an academically-oriented, financially sound family. Excellent student,
to him cricket was only a pleasant diversion. Became involved with
socio-political activities while at college. Later with the nationalist
movement gaining ground in the country, his concentration towards cricket
receded.
Dilawar
was a victim of jealousy of his peers. Intellectually superior, he was too
scholarly for them. He aligned neither with the provincial groups nor with the
communal-minded characters. He was nobody’s crony.
After
the partition, Dilawar Hussain was a founder-member of the Pakistan cricket
administration. Also served as Pakistan’s national selector. Later became the principal of Muslim Anglo Oriental
College in Lahore. A degree in Law and a ‘double MA’ were only after-thoughts!
The
successful cricketer was involved with cricket, yet not quite into it. The
brilliant activist was involved with serious politics, but stayed away from its
corruptible influences. The esteemed academician was a friend of his students,
not a pedagogue.
An
ideal persona of an erudite, non-ambitious gentleman. A role-model whom we have
ignored continuously and totally!
.
