Three Indian cricketers with an exceptional record at Eden Gardens

#1. Mohammad Azharuddin

Before Sourav Ganguly arrived on the scene, former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin was the most adored cricketer at Eden Gardens. Azhar’s game rose to a different level at Kolkata just like Dilip Vengsarkar’s did while batting at Lord’s. Azhar’s love affair with Eden began with his debut Test, when he notched up 110 against England in 1984 in a drawn Test. Nine years later, when the same opponents visited India, captain Azhar dazzled his way to 182 from 197 balls as the hosts registered an impressive eight-wicket triumph.

One of Azhar’s most authoritative knocks came against Australia in 1998. The Aussies came to India with one of their weakest attacks -- Shane Warne being their only known name among the bowlers. Azhar blazed away to an unbeaten 163 from 246 balls as India posted 633 for 5 declared in response to Australia’s 233. The game was unique in the sense that everyone in the top six crossed fifty -- Laxman (95), Navjot Sidhu (97), Rahul Dravid (86), Tendulkar (79) and Ganguly (65). Not surprisingly, India won by an innings and 219 runs.

Azhar got a patient 141 against Pakistan in the 1987 Test, which was drawn. Ironically, one of his most famous knocks at the venue came in a losing cause, against South Africa in 1996. Chasing Proteas’ 403, India had crumbled to 161 for 7. Azhar counter-attacked and made a sensational 109 from 77 balls, smashing 18 fours and a six. He found unexpected support in Anil Kumble, who was run out for 88. However, Gary Kirsten’s twin hundreds, and Daryl Cullinan’s second-innings 153 not out, led South Africa to victory by 329 runs. The Test marked the debuts of Herschelle Gibbs and Lance Klusener, the latter announcing himself with 8 for 64 in India’s second innings.

Mohammad Azharuddin’s record at Eden Gardens: 7 Tests, 860 runs, 107.50 average, 5 hundreds, 182 highest score.