The Syed Abid Ali Legacy-Remembering the All-Rounder Gentleman of Indian Cricket

Syed Abid Ali, whose name is forever etched in the hearts of Indian cricket lovers, died on March 12, 2025, with an unfinished legacy at the age of 83. The all-rounder from Hyderabad, whose contributions to the game were colossal, will be remembered for his do-everything performance with both the bat and ball. His death brings an era to a close for Indian cricket, but his legacy will go on to inspire generations.

Abid was born in Hyderabad and debuted for India in December 1967 at Adelaide. It was a debut to remember as he played his heart out, taking 6 wickets for 55 runs in the first innings — a career best effort that set the tone for his early years of cricket. Besides his bowling, Abid's batting skills also contributed significantly, as he got 78 and 81 in the Sydney matches during the same tour. These efforts set him as a precious member of the Indian team.

Abid Ali’s career in the Test arena spanned over seven years, during which he played in 29 Test matches, contributing 47 wickets and accumulating 1018 runs. He was very versatile and was also an excellent fielder, who was the cornerstone of India's mythical spin quartet. His sharp reactions and ability to make stunning catches, particularly on the leg-side cordon, provided an additional element to India's formidable bowling lineup in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

In a brilliant exhibition of his all-around ability, Syed Abid Ali had in fact been opening for India both with the bat and the ball in seven of 29 Tests. Two of them were against New Zealand in February 1968, three against the same team in September and October 1969, and two during India's tour of the West Indies in 1971. Such performances were not only a testament to his versatility but also his ability to adapt himself to suit the needs of the team, regardless of the circumstances.

Abid Ali’s cricketing career was marked by his willingness to do whatever was required for the team’s success. Sunil Gavaskar, former Indian cricketer and teammate, shared his deep admiration for Abid, recalling how the latter could seamlessly take on multiple roles. “He was a lion-hearted cricketer who did anything the team needed. Even though he was a middle-order batsman who was all-rounder, he opened the innings if required," said Gavaskar. Abid's game-changing selflessness made him a player who would rise to the occasion, irrespective of circumstances.

Another feather in the cap for Abid Ali was that he could make an impact from the beginning of a match. Gavaskar also reminisced nostalgically about how Abid had the rare distinction of getting rid of a batsman with the opening ball of a Test match — not once but twice in his career. It was a demonstration of his seaming bowling talent and his prowess under pressure at the right moments. Abid's job was not done with his all-round ability, for he was also famous for his on-field humble behavior. He was generally accepted as having the best attitude, being often referred to as a gentleman of the game, having a learned demeanor.

While Abid Ali had a high-profile Test cricket career, his ODI career was short-lived, spanning only five matches. However, three of them were in the first men's ODI World Cup. Abid's final 50-over match was an eventful one, where he scored a useful 70 runs from 98 balls against New Zealand — a display of his batting prowess under limited-overs conditions.

Abid's brilliance was also applied to first-class cricket, where he represented Pakistan in 212 matches and accumulated 8732 runs and 397 wickets in the process. He recorded his best first-class score of an unbeaten 173*, which was a testament to his batting ability.

Abid Ali’s death leaves a void in the cricketing world, but his legacy will live on through his achievements, sportsmanship, and commitment to the game. He was not just a cricketer but a symbol of dedication and perseverance. As his family and the cricketing community mourn his loss, they can take comfort in knowing that Abid Ali’s impact on Indian cricket will forever be remembered.

In remembering Syed Abid Ali, it is evident that he was more than a player — he was a symbol of the game. His off and on-field contributions to Indian cricket will keep generations of cricketers to follow inspired. Rest in peace, Syed Abid Ali. Your legacy endures.