The Hindu : Tamhane passes away

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 20, 2002

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Sport - Sports : General

Tamhane passes away

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI MARCH 19. Naren Tamhane is no more. The former India wicket-keeper and selection committee chairman passed away on Tuesday morning. He had been undergoing treatment for cancer in a city clinic.

As the news spread in Mumbai cricket circles, ex-India cricketers and contemporaries expressed shock because Tamhane seemed to be benefiting from the treatment. Polly Umrigar, one of Indian cricket's living legends and a contemporary of the late Tamhane, said the sad news was a personal loss. "Naren and I played in the same era, so he was a close friend. It is with great sorrow that I learnt about his demise. One of the finest wicket-keepers to play for India over a long stretch, he was also a useful batsman in the lower order," said the former India all-rounder. He was not a showy wicket-keeper, but a sound one. The striking aspect being that when Naren was behind the wickets, his presence was enough to instill confidence in the bowler at the opposite end. I can vouch for it. A great teamman and fighter, observed Umrigar, adding: "He could read the bowlers intentions by just watching the grip. When spinners like Subhash Gupte ran in to bowl, he would predict the type of delivery about to be bowled."

The 71-year-old India wicket-keeper played 21 Tests from 1954-61, affecting 16 stumpings and taking 35 catches. He averaged 10.23 scoring 225 runs, with 54 in the first innings against Pakistan in second Test at Bahawalpur during the 1954-55 series being the highest. His debut came earlier in the drawn first Test, under Vinoo Mankad's captaincy, making an immediate impact behind the wickets with four dismissals in the first innings and one stumping off Subhash Gupte in the second. After retirement, he became a selector from 1980 to 1989, going on to occupy the chairman of selection committee chair in 1991-92. Current chairman of selectors, Chandu Borde, observed that Tamhane was a dependable wicket-keeper, any captain would love to have him on the team.

The best thing about his keeping was sound technique. Naren was an excellent human being. G.S. Ramchand, an ex-India skipper and teammate, was aware of Naren Tamhane's ill-health but was shocked all the same.

A quiet, unassuming fellow, any captain would love to have a player like Tamhane on his team. There was nothing flamboyant about him but he was extremely sound in his technique. A decent batsman as well we had a crucial partnership in Pakistan. Ramchand and Tamhane featured in all five Tests on the 1954-55 series, alongwith Umrigar. All five matches were drawn, the first rubber between the two countries ending in a stalemate. The late Tamhane played for Mumbai in first-class cricket between 1953-63, taking 175 catches and 78 stumpings, besides scoring 1459 from 93 matches at an average of 18.23.

Mr. A.C. Muthiah , President and Mr. Ashok Khumbat, Hon. Secretary, TNCA expressed shock at the demise of Tamhane. "He was unassuming, simple and very popular amongst his teammates'', they said. They sent their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

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