Gopal Krishna Bose, the other name for competence in right-hand batting and right-arm off break bowling style is the pride of West Bengal. He was born on 20 May, 1947, in Kolkata of India. This famous ex-Indian cricketer glorified the arena of domestic cricket, for Bengal, and a single but thrilling One-Day International for India against England in 1974.
The Bengal batsman had the tenacity to remain steadfast in prolonged innings. A brilliant score of 170 for Rest of India in the Irani Trophy match against Bombay (now Mumabi) in 1973-74 paved his way to the Indian team. This accomplished player was chosen by the selectors for the venture in Ceylon (recently Sri Lanka). He dazzled the world with his 194-run partnership with the unparalleled Sunil Gavaskar.
Gopal Bose endeavoured to give his best. He began with a half-century, in the inaugural game, but could merely struggle his way to 326 runs at an average of 20.37, in first class matches. He however featured in the second one day international at the Oval. In this match he obtained 13 runs and served as a bowler for the full extent of 11 overs with his splendid off breaks. His efforts bore fruits. He grabbed the vital wicket of David Lloyd. He was elected as a suitable collaborator for the injured Gavaskar during the 1974-75 series against West Indies and for the fourth Test at Chennai. Bose was included into the battalion of 14. However, he was excluded from the eleven, and never got an invitation in future. Nevertheless, the indomitable Gopal Bose persisted to fare well in the realms of the Ranji Trophy tournaments.
Even the crowning glory of Bengal, and one of the best in Indian cricket, Sourav Ganguly, had often and on resorted to the guidance of this man of experience and immense reliance. When Sourav departed for England in 1996, he boosted up Sourav`s confidence with his profound advices.
Gopal Krishna Bose is thus the torchbearer to the future generation of promising cricketers, who aspires to augment the fame of Indian cricket, with their remarkable feats.
