Prem Bhatia, India's famous 12th man, passes away

Rest Of India’s twelfth man, Prem Bhatia, who made history batting in both the innings has passed away recently. The former Delhi batsman breathed his last due to prolonged illness at the age of 78.

In the inaugural Irani Cup match (March 18-20, 1960) at the Railway Stadium, Bhatia turned out for Rest of India against Bombay. He made scores of 22 (batting at No. 9) and 50 (batting at No. 3). Interesting, Bhatia was the 12th man of ROI side but batted on the insistence of Lala Amarnath. Amarnath was then the national selector.

Bombay eventually won the game and became the first Irani Trophy winners. Meanwhile, Bhatia went on to play 56 first-class matches and aggregated 2548 runs with six centuries.

Bhatia held another unique distinction in Indian cricket when he had to make an emergency appearance for North India in the Deodhar Trophy match against K. Srikkanth-led South Zone at Vijayawada on January 25, 1985.

However, Irani Trophy has come of ages ever since its inception in 1960. Recently, Vidarbha won the 56th edition by first innings lead.

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