Former Indian cricketer Syed Abid Ali, known for his all-round abilities and sharp fielding, passed away at the age of 83 in the United States on Wednesday. The Hyderabad-born cricketer represented India in 29 Test matches, claiming 47 wickets, and was widely regarded for his agility on the field and swift running between the wickets.

Abid Ali made an immediate impact in international cricket, picking up six wickets for 55 runs on his Test debut against Australia in Brisbane. Later in the same series, he showcased his batting prowess with two crucial half-centuries (78 and 81) in Sydney.

One of his most memorable contributions came in India’s historic 1971 Test victory against England at The Oval, where he hit the winning runs.

Although his ODI career was brief, featuring just five matches, he played in three games during the inaugural men’s Cricket World Cup in 1975. In his final 50-over appearance, he scored a valiant 70 off 98 balls against New Zealand. At the domestic level, Abid Ali enjoyed a prolific first-class career, amassing 8,732 runs, including a highest score of 173*, and taking 397 wickets across 212 matches.

Paying tribute to his former teammate, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar hailed Abid Ali’s versatility and fearless approach.
 
“Very sad news, he was a lion hearted cricketer who did anything the team needed. Despite being an all rounder who batted in the middle order, he opened the batting when needed. Took some incredible catches in the leg side cordon adding an even sharper edge to our wonderful spin quartet,” Gavaskar told Cricbuzz.

Recalling a unique feat, Gavaskar added, “As a new ball bowler he has the unique record of getting a wicket with the first ball of a Test match twice if memory serves me right. He loved the tip and run and when promoted up the order in my debut Test match, this tactic resulted in some overthrows which reduced the pressure considerably. He was a thorough gentleman with impeccable manners who spoke professorially. Heartfelt condolences to his family.”

Beyond his playing career, Abid Ali transitioned into coaching, beginning in 1978. He played a crucial role in developing cricket in Andhra Pradesh, leading the team to the Elite Division of domestic cricket.

His coaching journey also took him to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he helped nurture young talent. Over the years, he also had coaching stints with the Maldives national team and Andhra Ranji squad.

Having settled in San Francisco since 1980, Abid Ali remained deeply connected to the game and dedicated himself to mentoring aspiring cricketers.

His contributions, both as a player and coach, leave behind a lasting legacy in Indian and international cricket.