Untold story of AG Milkha Singh, one of the finest left-handed batsmen of his time

Born in Chennai in 1929 into a family of cricketers, AG Milkha Singh made his Ranji Trophy debut at the age of 17. He was the son of the legendary AG Ram Singh, who played for Madras. A fine fielder and left-handed batsman, Milkha passed away on November 10 at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Milkha played his first Test in 1960, one year after his Ranji Trophy debut against Australia. However, featuring in only four matches, his experience in the format was limited. The batsman represented Tamil Nadu (then Madras) in 88 first-class matches, scoring a total of 4,324 runs, including eight centuries. His top score for Madras was 151. VV Kumar, former India leg-spinner who played with Milkha Singh, told The Tribune,

“There are no second thoughts about his technique, ability, and flamboyant game. Milkha was one of the best left-handers I have seen in India at that time along with Ajit Wadekar. I have bowled to a lot of world-class left-handers, including Garry Sobers, but Milkha was up there.”

Milkha and his father were not the only cricketers in the AG family. Milkha's older brother Kripal and younger brother Satwendhar also played for Madras. Kripal, like Milkha, represented India in Tests too, playing 14 in total. Talking about the family's legacy, to The Hindu, a few years ago, Milkha had said,

“My father (Ram Singh) played the first Ranji match for Madras in 1935. He created a record by taking 11 wickets and finished the match in one day. Kripal and I also got to play for India. To have three of his sons playing for the state was a proud moment for my father.”

Interestingly, in a Test match against England in 1961, the Singh brothers — Kripal and Milkha — played together.

The family's legacy doesn't end there — Milkha's cousins A Kripal Singh and S Kripal Singh also played for Madras.

Employed with the State Bank of India, Milkha played for them for more than 10 years, leaving behind an illustrious record.

Milkha is survived by his wife and two children. Paying his condolences, former India captain and left-arm spinner Bishan Singh Bedi tweeted,

"Once the most attacking left-hand batsmen of his times, AG Milkha Singh is no more...'AG' clan is diminishing...RIP Micky... Guru MEHR Kareh..!!"

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