The legend of Man Singh

by Rex Clementine

Hyderabad, where Sri Lanka played their last World Cup game, is an iconic Indian city. It has produced several prominent Indians like the nation’s first Test captain – C. K. Nayudu, former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, tennis star Sania Mirza and cricket greats like Tiger Pataudi, Mohammad Azharuddin and V.V.S. Laxman. The city is also home to one of the unsung heroes of Indian cricket – Man Singh, who managed the team that went onto win the World Cup in 1983.

Not very far from the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad where Sri Lanka allowed Pakistan to chase down a record target, there is a shop called Ram Singh Agarwal Wine Stores. Serving at the counter is a gentleman in his mid-80s. For a man who had managed the likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Ravi Shastri, managing those who come to quench their thirst and drown their sorrows is child’s play.

Man Singh’s place in Indian cricket is unique and iconic. He is a treasure trove of cricket tales. As you introduce yourself that you are from Sri Lanka, he takes an immediate liking reminding you how he used to organize cricket tours for his Hyderabad Blues team working hand in hand with his friend C.T.A. Schaffter.

Man Singh then takes you to his office room. It’s full of images of legends of cricket. One particular picture is very dear to his heart. The World Cup winning team being introduced to the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Man Singh’s Hyderabad Blues have provided opportunities to many Sri Lankan cricketers from David Heyn to Duleep Mendis. He himself was a First-Class cricketer and then went onto become a key administrator.

After serving a spell as the Assistant Manager of the Indian team, he is appointed to manage the team during their tour of England in 1983 for the World Cup. There is a contest between him and Niranjan Shah, who later goes onto become the Secretary of the Indian Board.

Man Singh is part of the selection panel that appoints Kapil Dev as the captain. When India leave for the World Cup, there is very little expectations. There’s no farewell for the team either and when they reach Bombay airport, their luggage was over the limit. Pleas that they are the Indian cricket team falls on deaf ears. Assurance is given that the dues will be settled on their return home.

A Manager at times has to break a few rules to keep his team happy. Many successful Sri Lankan Managers have done it over the years. When things go wrong, they pay a price but when it works, not much credit is given to you as you are not supposed to break the rule.

Indian board’s instructions are very clear that wives are not allowed to stay with the players during a tour. But four players had brought their wives to England and not only does the Manager allow them to stay but welcomes them in the team bus as well. This works. The team gels and everyone is happy.

India’s campaign is run down by the British press. Some go onto say that they should have never been asked to come to the UK to play in the tournament because their one-day performance is not so attractive.

The well-known David Frith commits a blunder that no journalist should do; to run down a team even before their campaign has started. He doesn’t fancy India’s chances in the World Cup in his preview of teams that appear in the Wisden Cricket Monthly.

Surprisingly, India go onto win the title. Man Singh senses an opportunity and writes to Frith that he should eat his words.

In the September 1983 issue, in the letters to the editor section, the magazine runs a copy of Man Singh’s letter and along with that a photograph of Frith with a piece of paper in his mouth and the caption reads, ‘India made me to eat my words.’

At one point during the tournament, India’s campaign is in shambles as they lose five wickets for 17 runs against lowly Zimbabwe. Then captain Kapil Dev plays a blinder. Opening batter Kris Srikanth had come out to the balcony to chat to his wife. Then he wants to get back into the dressing room as it’s bitterly cold. Man Singh orders him to stay put for the fear of a wicket falling.

Then, after India wins the title, the team is hosted by the Prime Minister for tea. Players wives accompany them to meet Mrs. Indira Gandhi. Throughout the journey Srikanth scolds his wife saying that her choice of saree is not a great one for an occasion like meeting the Prime Minister.

When they are at the Prime Minister’s residence, the Manager introduces each player to Mrs. Gandhi. She comes to greet Srikanth but instantly turns to his wife and says what a beautiful saree she is wearing. Man Singh seizes on the opportunity again reminding the batter he should not give his expertise on matters that he is not well versed with.