One of India’s finest cricket administrators, Raj Singh Dungarpur has contributed immensely to the Indian cricket.
Dungarpur is widely credited for recognizing Sachin Tendulkar’s talent and introducing him to the world. Dungarpur has served as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for two terms. Dungarpur was also the chief of selection committee when Sachin was selected for his first tour to Pakistan.
Dungarpur was born on 19th December 1935 to Maharawal Lakshman Singhji, the ruler of Dungarpur. He had played 86 First-Class matches as a medium fast-bowler for Rajasthan and Central Zone, picking up 206 wickets in total. After his playing days, Dungarpur was an integral part of the Indian cricket Administration.
He also served as the president of Cricket Club of India for 13 years. In an event where a gate at the CCI was named after Dungarpur, Sachin who inaugurated the gate, remembered Dungarpur and his influence on his career. He said,
“It is a great feeling to come back to CCI. When it comes to Raj Bhai I really don’t know where to start because I get confused, we had that kind of relationship; he has guided me all the way,”
On Dungarpur being the first to recognizing his talent, Sachin said,
“The first time Raj Bhai saw me was when I was 13-14, I had scored some runs against CCI, I was playing for Shivaji Park Youngsters, I had scored some runs, even Madhav Apte Sir was that time keeping for CCI and it was an honour to play against him. Once my name was recommended to Raj Bhai, he told me to come and play for CCI and bent all possible rules and allowed me to get in the dressing room at the age of 14, I was the only one and slowly slowly in your (CCI’s) company got comfortable and results started following.”
Dungarpur was India’s manager on India’s historic tour of Pakistan in 2004, which was also his last cricketing stint. Sachin could still recall his passion on his last tour as a manager,
“When Raj Bhai was on his last tour as manager which was 2005-06 in Pakistan, I could still feel his passion for the game despite his old age,”
Sachin was also helped financially by Dungarpur, as he helped him get sponsors to train abroad. Sachin said,
“Raj Bhai always helped youngsters, I am the lucky one and all the way he has guided me, there were occasions where I had to go on foreign tours, and one did not have deep pockets then and Raj Bhai was instrumental in getting the sponsors to make sure that I get that experience.
“I went to London a couple of times, and after that, the encouragement continued. I got selected for Mumbai Ranji team, and at that time coincidentally Raj Bhai was the Chairman of the Selection Committee and I had scored runs.
“My first season of Ranji Trophy was successful one,”