He achieved modest success while playing for India but had one of the longest first-class careers for an Indian player. However, Chandu Sarwate's name will be forever linked with the famous last-wicket partnership of 249 runs with Shute Banerjee in the Indians' match against Surrey at the Oval in 1946. He was essentially a middle-order batsman who also opened the batting for India. But in this match, he went in at No. 10 and was joined by Banerjee, the No. 11 with the score 205 for nine shortly before tea on the first day. The stand was not broken till about an hour after the start of play on the second day by which time the duo had written themselves into the record books - it was the only time in first-class cricket that both No. 10 and No. 11 had scored hundreds. Sarwate remained unbeaten with 124 while Banerjee was out for 121. For good measure, Sarwate also captured five wickets in Surrey's second innings.

But, of course, Sarwate will be remembered for many other things. For putting on 124 runs for the first wicket with Vinoo Mankad at Melbourne in 1948 against Lindwall, Miller, Johnston and Johnson. For being part of the great Holkar team for several years. And for playing in the Ranji Trophy for well over three decades and running up a superb allround record - 4923 runs (43.18) including 12 centuries and 281 wickets (27.42). He made his debut in the national competition at 16 and by the time he called it a day he was in his 50th year. His career highest was 246 for Holkar against Bengal in 1950-51. His best bowling in an innings was 9 for 61 for Holkar against Mysore in 1945-46. He also played one Test each against the Australian Services team in 1945-46 and the first Commonwealth side in 1949-50.

He served as a national selector for a while in the early 1980s. By profession he was a fingerprint expert.(Partab Ramchand)

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• When a Maharaja cooled his heels (Aug 5, 2006)
  
• Chandu Sarwate dies at 83 (Dec 24, 2003)
  
• The day Bedser couldn't knock over two tailenders (May 13, 2000)

Jan 22, 2000 Chandra Sarwate, Portrait © Cricinfo Ltd

Chandu Sarwate and S. Banerjee © Wisden

The 1946 Indian touring squad © Wisden

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