Which English cricketer was once the Indian high commissioner to Australia?
(12 July 2002)

Duleepsinhji had cricketing ichor flowing in his veins. His uncle was the original Oriental prince of cricket, the illustrious Ranji, and just like his uncle, Duleep hit a stylish century on Test debut. Perhaps blue blood does indeed impart a regal stamp to cricketing strokes, for just like Ranji, and later the Nawabs of Pataudi, elegance seemed to ooze from even the briefest defensive shot.

Unfortunately, Duleep's cricketing career itself was all too short. He played 12 Tests and 19 innings for a magnificent 995 runs at an average of 58.5, making three centuries and five fifties. As India began to nudge nearer Test status, Duleep unwillingly found himself at the centre of a controversy over whether he should captain India or not. He never did.

But his services were utilised by India in another field altogether - diplomacy. After his retirement, the Indian government appointed him High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand in 1950, a post he held for three years. Upon his return in 1953, Duleep was then made chairman of the Public Service Commission in Saurashtra.

He may have been a whiz at foreign affairs, but it is unfortunate perhaps that he got sucked into the political world. For Duleep belonged quite naturally on the cricket field, and his short tenure there deprived cricket fans of many a lazily elegant leg-glance and cover-drive.

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