Vinous Mankind, a fine all-rounder, was born on April 12, 1917 in Jamnagar, Gujarat. He entered the international cricket by scoring a century at Madras in the 1946-47 series against England.
At the end of the series, Mankind topped both the bowling and batting averages. Till 1953, he played 27 matches, scored 1,122 runs and captured 134 wickets. Later he was chosen one of Wisden’s five cricketers of the year.
In 1947, against Australia, he claimed 12 wickets against Bradman’s team and hit two centuries. Vinoo Mankad’s left-arm spin was faultless. In the 1951-52 series against England he captured 34 wickets for 108 runs. In the same year, his performance at Lord’s against England made him a legend.
In Tests he was a top scorer in both the innings and claimed five wickets. His marvelous effort drew the Test. He played almost every Test- playing country and proved himself as a master of left-arm spin bowling. In all, he played 44 Tests, scored 2,109 runs and claimed 162 wickets. He died on August 21, 1978.