Kirti Azad, born on 21st January in 1959, at Purnea, in Bihar, has given active participation in seven Tests and 25 One -Day Internationals, from 1980 to 1986. He did schooling from Modern School in Delhi where he was part of the school cricket team. The prime attraction of his sports career was Indian win in the 1983 Cricket World Cup. Kirti Azad, who happened to be the son of a Central Minister, played as a right-hand batsman and a swift off-spinner.
Career of Kirti Azad
He suddenly shot into the limelight, being chosen for the tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1980-81. His debut Test appearance was at Wellington. Post this Test, he took part in three Tests against England in 1981-82, but his efforts to succeed were of no avail.
Kirti Azad, finally displayed his innate merits, when appointed within the World Cup team of 1983. His contributions behind India`s victory in the semi-final are unforgettable. He devastated the middle order batting strength of the rival England, with his baffling off breaks. His bowling attacks plundered the expert players, like Ian Botham, who were highly difficult to be dislodged.
His most celebrated Test performance was witnessed in an exhibition match against Pakistan. Kirti indulged in fabulous innings in December 1984, at Delhi`s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This match still lingers in our memories, being the first ever day/night match, conducted with the aid of artificial lights. Pakistan got batting first and completed 50 overs, with 197 runs. Kirti fuelled India to pounce upon an instant response. His meteoric 71, scored within a short span, smoothened India`s march to a joyous victory, by one wicket. In India`s reply, Kirti scored a rapid 71 not-out and steered India to a one wicket victory. Kirti had that dauntless strike that hit sixes. Especially, his tossing the ball of the medium-pacer Jalaluddin, to make super sixes, thrice, and successively, will be always an Indian cricketaholic`s delight.
However, in the subsequent Tests against Pakistan and West Indies, he could not fare well. His cricket career came to an end.
Kirti`s player`s role ceased only to experience a new twist with his assignment of television broadcasting. Recently, we visualise his presence in after-match cricket-discussion shows, aired in Hindi. Therein, he voices his own views, and speaks aloud regarding selection-affairs.
Azad, the multi-faceted all rounder has represented Delhi many years .In the 95 Ranji Trophy matches , that he played, he arrived at an aggregate of 4867 runs, fetched on an 47.72 and a reserve of 162 wickets, at an average of 28.91. His topmost feat was a vigorous 215, got against Himachal Pradesh in 1985-86.
Cricket Statistics
Batting and Fielding Averages
| Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 6s | Ct | St | |
| Tests | 7 | 12 | 0 | 135 | 24 | 11.25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | ||
| ODIs | 25 | 21 | 2 | 269 | 39* | 14.15 | 400 | 67.25 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | |
| First-class | 142 | 182 | 14 | 6634 | 215 | 39.48 | 20 | 27 | 95 | 0 | |||
| List A | 72 | 62 | 6 | 1521 | 94 | 27.16 | 0 | 8 | 22 | 0 |
Bowling Averages
| Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10 | |
| Tests | 7 | 10 | 750 | 373 | 3 | 2/84 | 2/106 | 124.33 | 2.98 | 250.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 25 | 11 | 390 | 273 | 7 | 2/48 | 2/48 | 39.00 | 4.20 | 55.7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| First-class | 142 | 15420 | 7190 | 234 | 7/63 | 30.72 | 2.79 | 65.8 | 5 | 0 | |||
| List A | 72 | 2086 | 1374 | 50 | 3/16 | 3/16 | 27.48 | 3.95 | 41.7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Life in Politics for Kirti Azad
Kirti Azad, forged ahead along the footsteps of his minister father. He entered politics and was rose as a BJP delegate in the Parliament
