Former Indian skipper Pankaj Roy passes away

Former Indian skipper Pankaj Roy,who held the world record for the highest first wicket patnership along with Vinoo Mankad in Test cricket, died in Calcutta in a nursing home early on Sunday after a brief illness, his family said.

Roy, 73, left behind his wife and three sons.

One of the India's most succesful Indian openers, Roy represnted the country in 43 Tests notching up 2442 runs in 79 innings remaining unbeaten on four occasions. Consistency being his forte, Roy had a test average of 32.56 runs.

He struck five tons, 173 being the highest, and scalped one wicket. The prolific cricketer also took 16 catches.

Roy, arguably the best batsman from this part of the country in the days of yore, made his test debut in the 1951-52 series against England, with the first test in Delhi. The dependable right-hand batsman reached the pinnacle of his career by scripting an unbroken partnership of 413 runs with Mankad against New Zealand in the fifth Test in erstwhile Madras in 1955-56.

Mankad scored 231 while Roy amassed 173, his highest in test cricket. He led India in the Lords test against England in 1959.

Career Profile

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