West Indies legend Rohan Kanhai inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

[sammy]

CMC

Posted: 5/7/2009 3:18:21 PM

LONDON, England ? Batting legend Rohan Kanhai has become the latest West Indies icon to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

Kanhai, who played 79 Tests for West Indies between 1957 and 1974, was honoured during the tea interval on the second day of the first Test between England and the West Indies at Lord?s today.

It follows on the heels of several legendary West Indies being honoured for their contribution to the game during England?s recent tour of the Caribbean.

?I am honoured to be part of the Cricket Hall of Fame and especially so in this centenary year of the ICC,? the 75-year-old Kanhai said.

?To be honoured at Lord?s, of all places, and at the same time as Sir Alec (Bedser), one of the legends of the game, makes this a very special occasion for me.

?Throughout my cricket career, I played against some great teams and great players and have some treasured memories. Being a part of this elite group is very rewarding and the icing on the cake.?

Kanhai carved out 6,227 runs at n average of 47.53, while scoring 15 centuries and 28 fifties.

The Guyanese batsman is also well remembered for his key role in ensuring the West Indies? capture of the first Cricket World Cup in 1975 when they defeated Australia in the final at Lord?s by 17 runs.

In that match, Kanhai struck 55 in a pivotal 149-run partnership with Clive Lloyd to revive West Indies after they struggled early on.

International Cricket Council president, David Morgan who presented Kanhai with his ICC Hall of Fame cap, praised the stylish right-hander.

?In a team full of wonderful players, Kanhai was right up there with the best of the great West Indies cricketers,? said Morgan.

?He was a genuine stylist and he thrilled crowds all over the world, not least here in England, both when he toured with the West Indies and when he played for Warwickshire.?

 

[Dare]

Really the word Legend sums it up. A rock in the middle order he put up some huge runs for the team and usually when they were needed the most.

Soon to be joined by many other WI greats.

 

[angryangy]

The diving hook shot undoubtedly holds more mystique than any switch hit or reverse sweep. Not enough wacky calypso shots being thrown about these days.

 

[robin2855]

Rohan Kanhai: A naturally gifted player of enormous talent

I am glad Sammy that you opened a thread on Kanhai in connection with his induction into ICC Hall of fame.

Kanhai is one of the most Stylish, Graceful, Elegant and Attractive West Indian to have played test cricket.

A natural striker of the ball he was one of the batting pillars alongside many illustrious West Indian batsman (Weekes, Walcott, Worrell, Sobers, Fredericks, Kallicharran).

He played many Classic innings in his test career.

I am fortunate to have seen The Highlights on Cricket DVD of two of his great knocks.

The first one was a priceless 55 in the Inaugural 1975 World Cup Final against Australia which West Indies won and the second a Captain?s knock of 157 against England in the Third test at Lords in 1973 which West Indies won by an Innings and 266 runs.

It was an innings that was simply out of the world. I really enjoyed every shot he played.

The innings had everything: Precision, Power, Grace,Timing and no helmet.

It may be worth mentioning that the Legendary Sunil Gavaskar is a fan of Rohan Kanhai and has named the first name of his son Rohan.