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Born: May 17, 1945, Mysore, Karnataka
Major teams: India, Karnataka, Mysore
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Leg break
Achievements:One of the famed Indian Spin Quartet; took 6 for 38 at The Oval in 1971 to set up India's first series victory in England; took 12 for 104 at Melbourne to achieve India's first win in Australia in 1978; Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1972
Bhagwat Chandrasekhar was perhaps the most prolific match winner among the famed Indian spin quartet. Despite having to bear with a crippled right arm due to an attack of Polio in his childhood, Chandrasekhar won matches for India both at home and abroad.
Chandrasekhar made his debut against Mike Smith's Englishmen at the tender age of 19 in 1964. After performing well in the ensuing series against West Indies and England, Chandra had to sit out some of the crucial series due to a scooter accident.
When he was recalled to the Test team for the 1971 England tour after a three-year hiatus, some people questioned the decision. But Chandra made his critics eat their words by a stunning spell of 6-38 at the Oval to bundle out the Englishmen for 101, setting up India's maiden victory in England.
True to his genius, Chandra did not need the comfort of tailor-made Indian pitches to boost his tally of wickets. In the 1975-76 tour of West Indies, Chandra took the wicket of Viv Richards on more than one occasion and played a big role in India's famous Port of Spain victory.
Chandra was not a classical leg spinner and possessed an astounding variety of tricks. After a long, bouncing run-up, he delivered sharp googlies, spiteful topspinners and legbreaks at near medium-pace from the back of his hand with a whipping action.
