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{{short description|Indian cricketer}}
{{Short description|Indian cricketer (born 1954)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox cricketer
{{Infobox cricketer
| name              = Bobjee Narasimha Rao
| name              = M. V. Narasimha Rao
| honorific_suffix  = [[Member of the Order of the British Empire|MBE]]
| image            =
| image            =
| caption          =
| caption          =
| full_name        = Modireddy Venkat Narasimha Rao
| full_name        = Madireddy Venkat Narasimha Rao
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=y|1954|08|11}}
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=y|1954|08|11}}
| birth_place      = [[Secunderabad]], [[Hyderabad State (1948–1956)|Hyderabad State]], India
| birth_place      = [[Secunderabad]], [[Hyderabad State (1948–1956)|Hyderabad State]], India
| batting          = Right-hand bat
| batting          = Right-handed
| bowling          = Legbreak
| bowling          = Legbreak
| columns          = 2
| columns          = 2
| column1          = [[Test cricket|Tests]]
| column1          = [[Test cricket|Test]]
| matches1          = 4
| matches1          = 4
| runs1            = 46
| runs1            = 46
| bat avg1          = 9.19
| bat avg1          = 9.19
| 100s/50s1        = -/-
| 100s/50s1        = 0/0
| top score1        = 20*
| top score1        = 20*
| deliveries1      = 463
| deliveries1      = 463
| wickets1          = 3
| wickets1          = 3
| bowl avg1        = 75.66
| bowl avg1        = 75.66
| fivefor1          = -
| fivefor1          = 0
| tenfor1          = -
| tenfor1          = 0
| best bowling1    = 2/46
| best bowling1    = 2/46
| catches/stumpings1= 8/-
| catches/stumpings1= 8/
| column2          = [[First-class cricket|First-class]]
| column2          = [[First-class cricket|First-class]]
| matches2          = 108
| matches2          = 108
| runs2            = 4845
| runs2            = 4,845
| bat avg2          = 40.71
| bat avg2          = 40.71
| 100s/50s2        = 9/30
| 100s/50s2        = 9/30
| top score2        = 160*
| top score2        = 160*
| deliveries2      = 13265
| deliveries2      = 13,265
| wickets2          = 245
| wickets2          = 245
| bowl avg2        = 28.05
| bowl avg2        = 28.05
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| tenfor2          = 3
| tenfor2          = 3
| best bowling2    = 7/21
| best bowling2    = 7/21
| catches/stumpings2= 111/-
| catches/stumpings2= 111/
| international    = true
| international    = true
| country          = India
| country          = India
| testcap          = 142
| testcap          = 142
| testdebutfor      = India
| testdebutagainst  = West Indies
| testdebutagainst  = West Indies
| testdebutdate    = 29 December
| testdebutdate    = 29 December
| testdebutyear    = 1978
| testdebutyear    = 1978
| lasttestdate      = 26 October
| lasttestdate      = 26 October
| lasttestfor      = India
| lasttestagainst  = Australia
| lasttestagainst  = Australia
| lasttestyear      = 1979
| lasttestyear      = 1979
| source            = http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/31795.html
| source            = http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/31795.html ESPNcricinfo
| date              =
| date              = 20 November
| year              =
| year              = 2022
|role=|nickname=Bobby Rao}}
}}


'''Modireddy Venkat 'Bobjee' Narasimha Rao''' {{audio|Madireddy_Narasimha_Rao.ogg|pronunciation}}, [[Member of the Order of the British Empire|MBE]] (born 11 August 1954 in [[Secunderabad]]), is a former Indian [[cricket]]er who played in 4 [[Test cricket|Tests]] from 1978 to 1979. He was also a cricket coach.
'''Madireddy Venkat '''"'''Bobjee'''"''' Narasimha Rao''' {{post-nominals|MBE}} {{audio|Madireddy_Narasimha_Rao.ogg|pronunciation}} (born 11 August 1954), is a former Indian [[cricket]]er who played in four [[Test cricket|Test matches]] from 1978 to 1979. He was also a cricket coach.


He was picked to play against [[West Indies]] in 1978-79, but after two tests he was dropped. He was again brought back the following season for the series against [[Kim Hughes]]' Australian team, but again discarded after two Tests. In the 5th test against [[Australia]] at [[Eden Gardens]], he played a crucial role in saving [[India]] from an imminent defeat. India required 247 to win on the last day and at one point was struggling with 4 wickets down for 123. Four key batsmen - [[Sunil Gavaskar|Gavaskar]], [[Dilip Vengsarkar|Vengsarkar]], [[Gundappa Vishwanath|Vishwanath]] and [[Chetan Chauhan]] were already back in the pavilion when Narasimha Rao provided a match saving partnership with [[Yashpal Sharma (cricketer)|Yashpal Sharma]] who scored an unbeaten 85. India ended up with a score of 200 for 4 to draw the Test.<ref>{{Cite web| accessdate = 1 July 2009| publisher = Cricinfo.com| title=Calcutta Test Scorecard - Ind/Aus: 1979-80| url=http://www.cricinfo.com/india/engine/match/63245.html}}</ref>
==Cricket career==
This was the last Test match played by Narasimha Rao.
He was picked to play for India against West Indies in 1978–79, but after two tests he was dropped. He was again brought back the following season for the series against [[Kim Hughes]]' Australian team, but again discarded after two Tests. In the 5th test against Australia at [[Eden Gardens]], he played a crucial role in saving India from imminent defeat. India required 247 to win on the last day and at one point was struggling with 4 wickets down for 123. Four key batsmen - [[Sunil Gavaskar|Gavaskar]], [[Dilip Vengsarkar|Vengsarkar]], [[Gundappa Vishwanath|Vishwanath]] and [[Chetan Chauhan]] were already back in the pavilion when Narasimha Rao provided a match-saving partnership with [[Yashpal Sharma (cricketer)|Yashpal Sharma]] who scored an unbeaten 85. India ended up with a score of 200 for 4 to draw the Test.<ref>{{Cite web| access-date = 1 July 2009| publisher=ESPNcricinfo| title=Calcutta Test Scorecard - Ind/Aus: 1979-80| url=http://www.cricinfo.com/india/engine/match/63245.html}}</ref> This was the last Test match played by Narasimha Rao. As an alert close-in fielder, however he did well in picking up eight catches.  


As an alert close in fielder, however he did well in picking up eight catches. In first class cricket his record was very impressive - 4124 runs (avg 47.40) and 218 wickets (avg 24.20).
Rao captained [[Hyderabad cricket team|Hyderabad]] in [[Ranji Trophy]] from [[1977–78 Ranji Trophy|1977-78]] to [[1987–88 Ranji Trophy|1987-88]]. In the [[1984–85 Ranji Trophy|1984-85 season]], he scored his career best 160* against Kerala.<ref>[https://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1980S/1984-85/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/SOUTH/HYD_KERALA_RJI-S_30DEC1984-01JAN1985.html 160*, Hyderabad v Kerala, Secunderabad, 1984-85]</ref> A failure to win this match due to a delayed declaration was a factor in Hyderabad failing to qualify from the South Zone.<ref>[https://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1980S/1984-85/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/SOUTH/RJI-S_1984-85_TABLE.html 1984-85 South Zone points table]</ref> [[Vivek Jaisimha]] replaced him as captain for [[1985–86 Ranji Trophy|1985-86]] but Hyderabad once again failed to qualify.<ref>[https://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1980S/1985-86/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/SOUTH/RJI-S_1985-86_TABLE.html 1985-86 South Zone points table]</ref> Back as captain in [[1986–87 Ranji Trophy|1986-87]], Rao captained Hyderabad to the Ranji title for the second time in their history.<ref>[https://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1980S/1986-87/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/KNOCK-OUTS/DELHI_HYD_RJI-FINAL_21-26MAR1987.html Delhi v Hyderabad, Ranji final, 1986-87]</ref>


M.V. Narasimha Rao returned to competitive international cricket albeit as an assistant coach of the [[Ireland Cricket team]] for the [[2011 ICC World Cup]].
In first class cricket Rao scored 4,124 runs (avg 47.40) and took 218 wickets (avg 24.20).


In December 2012, M.V. Narasimha Rao became the first Indian cricketer to be conferred with the prestigious Member of British Empire (MBE) medallion for his contribution for promoting the [[sport]] and also for community service through cricket during the testing times faced by the ethnic community in [[Northern Ireland]].
==Coaching career==
<ref>http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/british-high-for-bobjee/article4246168.ece</ref> Later after he Retired he set up the St Johns Cricket Academy which  produced many stars like [[VVS Laxman]], [[Mithali Raj]], [[Bavanaka Sandeep]], [[Hanuma Vihari]] and [[Tarun Nethula]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=From Hyderabad to the North West: The fascinating life of Bobby Rao|url=https://www.derryjournal.com/sport/cricket/hyderabad-north-west-fascinating-life-bobby-rao-2968464|access-date=2020-09-14|website=www.derryjournal.com|language=en}}</ref>
Rao returned to competitive international cricket albeit as an assistant coach of the [[Ireland Cricket team]] for the [[2011 ICC World Cup]]. In December 2012, Rao became the first Indian cricketer to be appointed [[Member of the Order of the British Empire]] (MBE) for his contribution for promoting the [[sport]] and also for community service through cricket during the testing times faced by the ethnic community in [[Northern Ireland]].
<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/british-high-for-bobjee/article4246168.ece| title = British 'high' for Bobjee - The Hindu| work = The Hindu| date = 27 December 2012}}</ref>


== See also ==
After Rao retired, he set up the St Johns Cricket Academy which  produced many stars like [[VVS Laxman]], [[Mithali Raj]], [[Bavanaka Sandeep]], [[Hanuma Vihari]] and [[Tarun Nethula]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=From Hyderabad to the North West: The fascinating life of Bobby Rao|url=https://www.derryjournal.com/sport/cricket/hyderabad-north-west-fascinating-life-bobby-rao-2968464|access-date=2020-09-14|website=www.derryjournal.com|date=11 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
 
* [[Rohan Gavaskar]]
* [[Yo Mahesh]]
* [[Arun Lal]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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[[Category:India Test cricketers]]
[[Category:India Test cricketers]]
[[Category:Indian cricketers]]
[[Category:Indian cricketers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian sportsmen]]
[[Category:South Zone cricketers]]
[[Category:South Zone cricketers]]
[[Category:Coaches of the Irish national cricket team]]
[[Category:Coaches of the Irish national cricket team]]
[[Category:Hyderabad cricketers]]
[[Category:Hyderabad cricketers]]
[[Category:People from Secunderabad]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Secunderabad]]
[[Category:Cricketers from Hyderabad, India]]
[[Category:Cricketers from Hyderabad, India]]
[[Category:Indian cricket coaches]]
[[Category:Indian cricket coaches]]
[[Category:Ireland cricketers]]
[[Category:Ireland cricketers]]
[[Category:Indian Members of the Order of the British Empire]]




{{India-cricket-bio-1950s-stub}}
{{India-cricket-bio-1950s-stub}}

Latest revision as of 14:24, 23 May 2025


M. V. Narasimha Rao
MBE
Personal information
Full nameMadireddy Venkat Narasimha Rao
Born (1954-08-11) 11 August 1954 (age 71)
Secunderabad, Hyderabad State, India
BattingRight-handed
BowlingLegbreak
International information
National side
Test debut (cap 142)29 December 1978 v West Indies
Last Test26 October 1979 v Australia
Career statistics
Competition Test First-class
Matches 4 108
Runs scored 46 4,845
Batting average 9.19 40.71
100s/50s 0/0 9/30
Top score 20* 160*
Balls bowled 463 13,265
Wickets 3 245
Bowling average 75.66 28.05
5 wickets in innings 0 15
10 wickets in match 0 3
Best bowling 2/46 7/21
Catches/stumpings 8/– 111/–
Source: ESPNcricinfo, 20 November 2022

Madireddy Venkat "Bobjee" Narasimha Rao MBE About this soundpronunciation  (born 11 August 1954), is a former Indian cricketer who played in four Test matches from 1978 to 1979. He was also a cricket coach.

Cricket career[edit | edit source]

He was picked to play for India against West Indies in 1978–79, but after two tests he was dropped. He was again brought back the following season for the series against Kim Hughes' Australian team, but again discarded after two Tests. In the 5th test against Australia at Eden Gardens, he played a crucial role in saving India from imminent defeat. India required 247 to win on the last day and at one point was struggling with 4 wickets down for 123. Four key batsmen - Gavaskar, Vengsarkar, Vishwanath and Chetan Chauhan were already back in the pavilion when Narasimha Rao provided a match-saving partnership with Yashpal Sharma who scored an unbeaten 85. India ended up with a score of 200 for 4 to draw the Test.[1] This was the last Test match played by Narasimha Rao. As an alert close-in fielder, however he did well in picking up eight catches.

Rao captained Hyderabad in Ranji Trophy from 1977-78 to 1987-88. In the 1984-85 season, he scored his career best 160* against Kerala.[2] A failure to win this match due to a delayed declaration was a factor in Hyderabad failing to qualify from the South Zone.[3] Vivek Jaisimha replaced him as captain for 1985-86 but Hyderabad once again failed to qualify.[4] Back as captain in 1986-87, Rao captained Hyderabad to the Ranji title for the second time in their history.[5]

In first class cricket Rao scored 4,124 runs (avg 47.40) and took 218 wickets (avg 24.20).

Coaching career[edit | edit source]

Rao returned to competitive international cricket albeit as an assistant coach of the Ireland Cricket team for the 2011 ICC World Cup. In December 2012, Rao became the first Indian cricketer to be appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contribution for promoting the sport and also for community service through cricket during the testing times faced by the ethnic community in Northern Ireland. [6]

After Rao retired, he set up the St Johns Cricket Academy which produced many stars like VVS Laxman, Mithali Raj, Bavanaka Sandeep, Hanuma Vihari and Tarun Nethula.[7]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Calcutta Test Scorecard - Ind/Aus: 1979-80". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 1 July 2009.
  2. 160*, Hyderabad v Kerala, Secunderabad, 1984-85
  3. 1984-85 South Zone points table
  4. 1985-86 South Zone points table
  5. Delhi v Hyderabad, Ranji final, 1986-87
  6. "British 'high' for Bobjee - The Hindu". The Hindu. 27 December 2012.
  7. "From Hyderabad to the North West: The fascinating life of Bobby Rao". www.derryjournal.com. 11 September 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.