On his birth anniversary, watch rare footage of Vijay Hazare, the first legend of Indian cricket

The Indian domestic ODI cricket competition is called the Vijay Hazare Trophy, after one of India’s greatest batsmen. At least on Hazare’s birthday, March 11, it's worth taking a quick look at the life and times of one of India’s best, who does not often get the accolades he deserves.

Vijay Hazare was the man who led India to their first ever Test victory in cricket. It came against a formidable English side in the last game of a five-match series in 1951. And the victory margin was comprehensive – India thrashed England by an innings and eight runs to ensure that the honours in the series were shared 1-1. The video above shows him talking about that famous victory.

Hazare captained India through that entire series. Rare footage from British Pathe below shows him walking out for the toss in the first Test against England at Delhi.

Hazare broke many records with the bat. Cricket-lovers fondly remember the great Australian "Invincibles” side featuring players like Don Bradman, Sid Barnes, Keith Miller and Neil Harvey – Hazare’s epic feat against them has slipped under the radar. At the Adelaide Test in 1948, Hazare became the first Indian player to score two centuries in a Test match, albeit in a losing cause.

This Indian great passed away in 2004. Almost ten years later, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting finally released a tribute commemorating him on his birth anniversary.