Shantanu Sugwekar

Shantanu Sugwekar

Source: CricketArchive, 6 December 2001

Shantanu Sharad Sugwekar (born 18 December 1966 in Poona) is a former Indian first-class cricketer who played for his home state Maharashtra from 1987 to 2001. Despite his first-class average of 63.10, Sugwekar never appeared in a Test for India, thus making him the only non-international in the history of cricket to play at least 50 first-class innings and finish his career averaging over 60.

He was a middle order batsman and represented India's Under-19s team in their 1986/87 tour of Australia. He had little trouble adjusting to the Indian first-class cricket scene and in his first two seasons amassed 903 runs at a Bradmanesque average of 129. This included an innings of 299 not out in a Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh. Maharashtra's last batsman Anil Walhekar made 38 in a last wicket partnership of 102, but it wasn't enough to see his teammate through to a triple hundred. Sugwekar remains the only batsman to have 299 not out as his highest first-class score.

Sugwekar captained Maharashtra in three Ranji Trophy campaigns from 1995/96 to 1997/98 and also served as captain of West Zone on occasions during the early 1990s. His best first-class season came in 1996/97 when he made 928 runs at 71.38. Also a handy off spinner, his 18 first-class wickets include Rahul Dravid and Raman Lamba.