OTD: Birthday of Dilip Sardesai, whose heroics helped India to win over West Indies in 1970-71

August 8, 1940, is the birthday of Dilip Narayan Sardesai, commonly known as Dilip Sardesai, an Indian cricket legend who was at the top of his game when India faced the West Indies in an away series in 1970-71.

Ahead of the West Indies tour, Dilip was not in great form. His underperformance in previous matches caused criticisms, and he was about to drop from the side. But still, the management kept faith in the middle-order batsman. Proving all critics wrong, the Goa-born stood tall and delivered his career best, that too against the West Indies in their backyard.

With three centuries, including a 212-run innings, he averaged 80.25 as India won the series 1-0. 212 was his career's best individual total, which he scored at Kingston against bowlers like Vanburn Holder, Garry Sobers, and Grayson Shillingford. Apart from the Kingston classic, the right-handed batsman had another two hundred-run innings with his name.

Read More: Know when India plays next; Full list of upcoming Test series

Before the West Indies series, Sardesai scored another double century 

Back in 1965, India faced New Zealand for a Test match at Brabourne when he delivered a 200-run innings as an opener. India was under huge pressure in the first innings as they bundled for 88 runs only. They were able to fight back during the second phase of the game, and it eventually ended in a draw, mostly because of efforts from Dilip and Chandu Borde (109).

Sardesai was mainly known for his defensive abilities but could push the paddle if the team needed. He scored one of India's fastest hundreds against New Zealand in Delhi in 1964-65. One of the great cricketers of India died in Mumbai in 2007.