Subroto Sirkar: walking encyclopaedia of cricket

Left a thriving family jewellery empire. Let go of foreign bank and nationalized bank jobs. The sophisticated young man’s overwhelming interest in sport, particularly cricket and tennis, overshadowed every other worldly matter.

The young reporter was a perfectionist from the first day. Subroto Sirkar would go about his work in his own distinguished style and manner, whether at the desk or on the prowl.

He had the knowledge of different eras of cricket in different lands and the wisdom to analyze that mere comparisons between eras are odious. Hundreds of years of cricket history  are stored in his elephantine memory.

In the 1970s he brought forward a new perspective: a fresh vision of accepting the past and the present in equal measure. He understood the actual value of values. With a johuree’s vision, he could easily identify genuine gems from fakes.  

In time he was at Lord’s media box or Wimbledon centre-court in the company of the top journalists of the sports world. And be rated highly by his contemporaries.  Leading publications looked forward to his reports, especially on tennis. I remember Dicky Rutnagur’s and Rajan Bala’s high praise of Subroto Sirkar. 

He was a year senior to me in school and college. We never spoke for 14 years, just exchanged courtesy smiles! Even watched matches at Eden Gardens and Mohun Bagan ground without exchanging a word!  Two reticent fools were probably waiting to be formally introduced!

However in 1972 – my ‘first-class’ debut season – after the match against Maharashtra, while returning by train he walked up to my seat to inform that I had equalled a world record!

I was flabbergasted. Who I, are you sure? A soft nod, “With your first delivery in first-class cricket you have taken a wicket. Very few bowlers have done so.” No wonder! I now realized the reason for Chandu Borde, the Maharashtra captain, to give me that ball at the end of the match.  That’s Subroto Sirkar for you. And Rana for me.

Next morning when not a single leading newspaper in India had any idea of any new world record equalled, he was ready with his report. That’s  journalism put to the test, and Rana came out the best. He remains the walking encyclopaedia of cricket.

To win victories like these calls for wide and deep study, sharp memory, high intelligence, writing skills and sensitivity. Very few can do so as easily as Rana does, without any fuss.

His personal collection of books, periodicals and journals is in thousands. Vintage editions. Rare copies. All neatly kept and lovingly nurtured. But newspaper cuttings or drafts of his own writings he just cannot locate! Makes no effort to search as well! The unassuming, introvert still prefers to be totally invisible behind a self-imposed exile! Never bothered to write a book, although he aids others to do so without getting any credits.

Not a single selfish bone he has in that handsome intelligent self of his. Was born with a golden spoon to distribute largesse in style and splendor. Most magnanimously he does give away his knowledge, his wisdom, (even his books!) to all and sundry. But never in style and splendor. He wraps it up as softly and as quietly as possible. No credit asked for, none given!

But what makes him an exceptional person is his generosity. Willingly he will answer every query. Most magnanimously he will add information to your subject, if you need. I know for sure as I have been a regular recipient. Don’t have enough words to express my gratitude. Only hope he does not get upset in finding himself in print!

Genteel and gentle,  a most generous and gracious gentleman. A great credit to unbiased sports journalism.