Ranga, the speedster

Right-arm fast bowler Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni, aka Ranga, was born today in 1918. He was known for bowling exceptionally fast in an era where pace bowling was generally slow

Ranga, the speedster; Source: Public Domain

Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni, also known as Ranga, played as an all-rounder in Indian cricket, both first-class domestic and international. He was born on the fifth of March 1918, in Rajasthan. His career listed about 108 First class matches, spread over three decades, with an average of 28, with over 4000 runs scored, and 8 hundreds.

He played for Bombay, Maharashtra and Baroda in the Ranji Trophy, often getting the title with the former teams. Eventually, he would also become the captain of the Bombay team in the 1953-54 season, the side which won the Ranji Trophy.

He was a latecomer to cricket as the Second World War had broken out, and cricketing activities were reduced. While he was known for his batting under pressure, he would also be renowned for a brisk bowling style, hitting the ball above 130kmph numerous times, even in Test Match settings. The pitches of South Asia, traditionally regarded for their spin, had now witnessed a pacer bowling like it was England.

The 1940-41 Ranji season would see him help Maharashtra retain the title of Ranji champions, and him partnering with Vijay Hazare with 218 and 342 not outs respectively, the highest scores for a wicket till then.

His records at Ranji being so fantastic, he was invited onto the Indian Test team. In the tour of England in 1946, he would pair for a match saving last-wicket partnership with Dattaram Hindlekar at Old Trafford. He would also get the opportunity to open up bowling against England, where he showed off his brisk pace. He would be taken on in the team for a last time on the 1947 - 48 tours of Australia, and after that, he would continue his career, eventually taking up a government job in Maharashtra. Finally, he passed away in May 1993 of a heart attack.