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On this day in 1988, the Uttar Pradesh-born leg spinner registered staggering figures of 16 for 136 during the fourth Test of the West Indies tour of India in 1987/88.
Narendra Hirwani put up a stellar bowling display in his maiden Test appearance. (Image: ICC/X, formerly Twitter)
On This Day In 1988: Over three decades ago, Narendra Hirwani etched his name in international cricket history with a phenomenal Test debut in 1988. He put up a stellar bowling display in his maiden Test appearance, still recognised as one of the best debut performances in cricket history. Hirwani produced the one-man show during the fourth Test of the West Indies tour of India in 1987/88.
The Uttar Pradesh-born leg spinner registered staggering figures of 16-136 in that match. Competing in Chepauk, on this day, the Indian spinner scalped eight wickets across each innings. The memorable display propelled the Ravi Shastri-led side to a famous Test victory against the Caribbean powerhouse.
Team India found themselves at a 0-1 deficit, coming into the fourth Test in Madras (now Chennai). Since the Chepauk pitch provided an advantage to spinners Narendra Hirwani found himself in the playing XI.
While most debutants crumble during high-pressure moments, Hirwani showcased his undying spirit and the depth of his skillset against a fiery West Indies squad.
The fixture began with India batting first and putting up 382 runs on the board. Kapil Dev smashed a quick 124-ball 109 while Arun Lal added another 69 runs. No one, however, was ready for what occurred during West Indies’ opening innings. The all-rounder duo of Ravi Shastri and Kapil Dev scalped early wickets to dismiss Desmond Haynes and Phil Simmons.
The remaining eight wickets were all taken by Narendra Hirwani. A 19-year-old Hirwani dismantled what was one of the most-feared batting line-ups in international cricket at the time. He dismissed the likes of Richardson, Gus Logie and Carl Hooper in quick succession.
West Indies looked to recover but the dismissal of Viv Richards crushed the morale of the visiting side. The Caribbean side collapsed after adding just 198 runs on the board.
India’s second innings saw the hosts score another 217 runs before declaring. West Indies had a daunting target of 416 ahead of them which they couldn’t even get close to because of Narendra Hirwani.
West Indies batters had no answers for the 19-year-old’s vicious leg-breaks in the final innings. Hirwani ran riot once again and claimed another set of eight wickets. His impressive figures helped India register a mammoth 255-run triumph on home turf.
The historic victory also enabled India to rescue the four-match Test series, drawing 1-1 with the West Indies. Not only did India save themselves from the jaws of defeat that day but also discovered a world-class spinner in the process.
