September 4th marks a special day in the world of cricket as former Indian cricketer Kiran Shankar More turns 61 today. Born in Baroda on this day in 1962, Kiran More has left an indelible mark on the sport, both as a wicket-keeper and as a cricket administrator.
More's cricketing journey spanned from 1984 to 1993 when he donned the gloves for the Indian cricket team. His contributions behind the stumps were invaluable, and he earned a reputation as one of India's finest wicket-keepers, leaving a lasting impact on the game, both on and off the field.
During his illustrious international career, Kiran More represented India in 49 Test matches and 94 One-Day Internationals (ODIs). While he may not have achieved the elusive century milestone, More's role as a wicketkeeper was pivotal in India's victories. He accounted for 130 dismissals in Tests and played a part in sending 90 batsmen back to the pavilion in ODIs.
One of the most memorable moments in Kiran More's career came during the 1992 World Cup. He was an integral part of the squad and made his international debut in 1986 against England. During the series against England, More set a record with an astounding 16 catches, showcasing his exceptional skills behind the stumps. However, it was the 1992 World Cup where he truly shone.
One unforgettable incident during the World Cup was the face-off between Indian wicket-keeper Kiran More and Pakistani batsman Javed Miandad. In a high-stakes match between India and Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Miandad famously taunted More by leaping in front of him after successfully defending his wicket.
Despite not achieving significant milestones with the bat in international cricket, More's contributions in the domestic arena cannot be overlooked. In 151 first-class matches, he scored almost 5,200 runs, including six centuries, and boasted a top score of over 180.
Kiran More's cricketing journey has taken various twists and turns. From a young boy with a slight build, he has evolved into a respected mentor and coach for top cricket teams. Additionally, he served as the Chairman of the Selection Committee for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) until Dilip Vengsarkar assumed the role in 2006.
In July 2019, he was named as a senior consultant for the United States national cricket team, showcasing his dedication to nurturing talent beyond India's borders.
As Kiran More celebrates his 61st birthday, the cricketing fraternity and fans around the world join in wishing him a very happy birthday, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to the sport. His journey from the cricket pitch to the mentor's chair is a testament to his enduring love for the game.
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