Kirti Azad

Kirti Azad was a quick offspinner as well as an attacking right handed batsman. In 1980-81, he became a surprise choice for the tour of New Zealand and Australia. He debuted in Test matches at Wellington. In 1981-82, he was selected for playing against England, but he was not very successful. Further, he was ignored for some period by the selectors, but was chosen for the World Cup in 1983.

While playing in the semi-final of the 1983 Cricket World Cup against England, he played a leading part in the Indian triumph by restricting the middle order and dismissing the dangerous Ian Botham. In the home series against Pakistan, he assisted India to defeat Pakistan at the Kotla by playing a swashbuckling innings. However, he was not very successful in the three Tests against Pakistan as well as against the West Indies and hence was dropped from the team.

Career Highlights

Kirti Azad has taken part in 25 ODIs wherein he has bowled in 11 innings. In the 390 balls that he has bowled, 273 runs have been scored and 7 dismissals have taken place. His bowling average was 39, economy rate was 4.20 and bowling strike rate was 55.7. He scored 269 runs with an unbeaten 39 as his highest score. His batting average was 14.15 and batting strike rate was 67.25. He took 7 catches.