Palwankar Baloo

Cricketer

Indian Dharwad, Karnataka, India

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Quick Info

ProfessionCricketer
NationalityIndian
Date of Birth19/03/1876
Age79 years (died on 04, Jul, 1955)
BirthplaceDharwad, Karnataka, India
Date of Death04/07/1955

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Bio/Wiki

Full Name: Babaji Palwankar Baloo
Commonly Known As: Palwankar Baloo
Caste: Dalit (Chamar community)
Notable For: First Dalit cricketer to make a significant impact on cricket; considered India's first great cricketer and first bowling superstar

Physical Stats & More

Height180 cm
Weight75 kg
Eye ColorBlack
Hair ColorBlack

Personal Life

ReligionHinduism

Relationships & More

Marital StatusMarried

Family

FatherServed in the military
MotherName not recorded in available sources
Siblings
  • Babaji Palwankar Shivram (Cricketer)
  • Palwankar Ganpat (Cricketer)
  • Palwankar Vithal (Cricketer)
SpouseName not recorded in available sources
ChildrenYB Palwankar

Career

DebutOn 8 February 1906 Hindus v Europeans (First Class)
Team(s)
  • Hindus (1905-1921)
  • Maharaja of Patiala's All India Team
  • Parmanandas Jivandas Hindu Gymkhana
  • Deccan Gymkhana
Bowling StyleLeft-arm orthodox spin
Career Statistics179 wickets in 33 matches (approximately 6 wickets per match); 17 instances of 5 wickets in an innings; 114 wickets in 1911 England tour across 14 matches; 109 wickets and 410 runs in 16 Bombay Quadrangular/Triangular/Presidency matches
Best Bowling Figures8/103 against Cambridge during 1911 England tour
England Tour Average18.84 wickets average during 1911 tour

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Baloo Palwankar's family name is derived from his hometown, Palwan.
2. His father served in the military.
3. His first job was maintaining the pitch for a Parsi cricket club in Pune (formerly Poona).
4. Despite bowling frequently, he was rarely given the chance to bat.
5. Baloo overcame caste discrimination to excel in the sport of cricket.
6. He played key roles in matches against the Europeans of Bombay Gymkhana in 1906 and 1907.
7. He took 114 wickets during the 1911 tour to England.
8. Throughout his career, he faced challenges related to his caste but achieved notable success in cricket.
9. He formed significant friendships and engaged in politics, supporting Gandhian principles.
10. He was felicitated by Mahadev Govind Ranade and Bal Gangadhar Tilak after a victory in Satara.
11. He played a mediating role in the Poona Pact negotiations alongside M.C. Rajah, urging B.R. Ambedkar to compromise with Gandhi on Dalit representation.
12. English newspapers praised him as the best Indian bowler during the 1911 England tour and called him the first choice of any county team.
13. His father worked in cleaning guns and cartridges in a Government-run depot.
14. He worked as a servant at Poona Gymkhana where English cricketers recognized his potential and made him a net bowler.
15. He was paraded in glory on an elephant following his triumph in Satara.
16. He played in 16 matches across the Bombay Quadrangular, Triangular and Presidency matches, taking 109 wickets and scoring 410 runs.
17. He was appointed vice-captain for the final match of a tournament and effectively served as captain when the skipper M.D. Pai deliberately left the field.
18. He was facilitated at an event where the welcome address was delivered by B.R. Ambedkar.
19. He was the first Dalit cricketer and is considered the first great Indian cricketer.
20. He was felicitated at an event where the welcome address was delivered by B.R. Ambedkar.
21. B.R. Ambedkar considered Palwankar Baloo his hero
22. He was made to drink tea outside the pavilion due to caste discrimination despite being a bowling superstar
Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
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