Former India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin was known for his wristy strokeplay. Having made his Test debut for India in 1984, he scored 110 in his first innings from 322 deliveries, alongside Ravi Shastri who scored 111, in what was ultimately a drawn match. He subsequently scored two more centuries in his next two Test matches.
These initial statistics from his career prove how important a player Azharuddin was for India. And much like most of his fellow cricketers, the stalwart also believed in many superstitions during his long career with the national team.
The black taweez
While playing for India, the former skipper was always seen sporting a black taweez around his neck. He used to circle the religious necklace around his head twice before taking strike in a match. This was apart from the fact that Azharuddin used to take the taweez out of his jersey while batting for India. Sourav Ganguly and Irfan Pathan have also donned black taweez. Virat Kohli has also sported religious black thread in the past.
Talking about his ever-present taweez, Azhar says, “I do not know what is written inside the taweez. It was given to me by my grandfather and I was told to wear it always. Since then I haven’t removed it even for a single day,” he adds.
Batting stance
Azhar is well known for his prowess with the bat. One example of this was when he scored a record-equalling century for an Indian player in the Second Test at Calcutta during South Africa's India tour in 1996–97. In reply to South Africa's first innings score of 428, Azharuddin brought up his century off 74 deliveries, equalling Kapil Dev's record for the fastest Test century by an India player and fourth overall, in terms of balls faced.
And while batting also, it is said that Azhar had a special superstition. According to many reports, the former India skipper always twirled the bat before taking his stance on the pitch. The right-handed batter went on to score seven ODI centuries and 22 Test centuries keeping his special stance in mind.
His career
Azharuddin was named the captain of the Indian team in 1989, succeeding Krishnamachari Srikkanth. He led the Indian team in 47 Test matches and 174 One Day Internationals. During his team as the skipper of the national team, Azharuddin led the side to victory in 90 ODIs, which was the highest on this list until it was surpassed by MS Dhoni on September 2, 2014.
He was known for his attacking brand of cricket and strong slip catching, but in what was an illustrious career, pace bowlers continuously took advantage of his struggles against the short ball. Azharuddin played 99 test matches for India and scored 6,215 runs at an average of 45.03, including 22 centuries and 21 half-centuries. His record in One Day Internationals (ODIs) was 9,378 runs from 334 matches at an average of 36.92, and as a fielder, he took 156 catches in ODI cricket.
