Mohammad Azharuddin turns 59: Rare, vintage photos of 'Ajju' that you should not miss!
Former Indian cricket captain and stylish batsman Mohammad Azharuddin turns 59 on February 8, 2022. On this occasion, we take a look at some unseen photos of Mohammad Azharuddin with Sangeeta Bijlani, Sachin Tendulkar and others. (Pics/ Midday Archives)
01
02
Mohammad Azharuddin is a former middle-order batsman and captained India in 47 tests during the 1990s. During his playing days, Azharuddin was the captain cool of the Indian cricket team and was known for his stylish batting which relied on his wrist shots.
03
Born on February 8, 1963, Mohammad Azharuddin ruled the roost in Indian cricket during the time ODI cricket became the norm.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin plays a shot during an ODI game
04
Mohammad Azharuddin was well known for his game-changing strategies and skills as captain. Mohammad Azharuddin became the captain of the Indian team in 1989, succeeding Krishnamachari Srikkanth. Azharuddin led the Indian team in 47 Test matches and 174 One Day Internationals.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin sitting with his pads on, waiting for his turn to bat.
05
Mohammad Azharuddin led the Indian team to victory in 90 One Day Internationals, the highest until M.S. Dhoni surpassed him on September 2, 2014. Mohammad Azharuddin's 14 test match wins as captain was a record until Sourav Ganguly overtook him with 21 test match wins to Ganguly's name.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with Sachin Tendulkar rejoicing after they win a match.
06
Mohammad Azharuddin was initially married to Naureen in 1987. Mohammad Azharuddin also had two sons with her.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with Sachin practising in the nets on April 18, 1999
07
Mohammad Azharuddin divorced Naureen and was then married to Bollywood actress Sangeeta Bijlani in 1996. Azhar and Sangeeta divorced in 2010.
08
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with Ajay Sharma and Tendulkar at a prize distribution after a Test at Wankhede on Feb 23, 1993.
09
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with Sangeeta Bijlani and Mohinder Amarnath.
10
Mohammad Azharuddin had two sons Ayazuddin and Asaduddin. Ayazuddin passed away in a road accident in 2011.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with veteran Indian cricketer Kapil Dev
11
Mohammad Azharuddin's other son Asaduddin is a cricketer, who was selected for the Goa state team in September 2018.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin plays a shot during a match
12
Mohammad Azharuddin was accused of match-fixing in the year 2000 and the cricket authorities banned him for life.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with former Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar on his live TV program
13
On November 8, 2012, a Divisional Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court revoked the ban imposed based on evidence found. Azharuddin, however, was 49 years old by then and was past his cricket days.
In picture: With former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott.
14
Mohammad Azharuddin has a prominent career in Indian politics as well. The former Indian captain joined Indian National Congress on February 19, 2009. He won the Indian general election, 2009 from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh to become a Member of Parliament.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with former Indian cricketers Ajit Wadekar (R) and Sandeep Patil (L)
15
Mohammad Azharuddin's stellar life caught the attention of Bollywood and a film inspired on his life was made titled 'Azhar'.
16
Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi essayed the role loosely based on Mohammad Azharuddin while actress Nargis Fakhri played the role of the lead actress.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin practising one of his favourite shots.
17
Mohammad Azharuddin and Navjot Singh Sidhu had a very friendly relationship during their playing days.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with Navjot Singh Sidhu during a training session
18
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar
19
Mohammad Azharuddin was also well-known for his exceptional fielding skills
20
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly
21
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin looks on as Sangeeta Bijlani plays some billiards.
22
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin pursuing what could have been one of his hobbies off the field, probably
23
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin caught in a candid moment on the telephone
24
Here are a few pictures with Sachin Tendulkar, who was also known as Mohammad Azharuddin's protege
25
Mohammad Azharuddin and Sachin Tendulkar together were a pair that posed a threat to the opposition during the middle overs
26
Mohammad Azharuddin has played 99 Tests scoring 6215 runs at an average of 45.03
27
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin enjoys some pool time
28
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with Khalid Ah Ansari
29
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin seen enjoying a game of snooker with Kapil Dev at an event
30
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin charmingly poses for the paparazzi
31
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with former Australian skipper Mark Taylor
32
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming
33
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with former West Indies skipper Richie Richardson
34
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with Pakistan wicket-keeper Moin Khan before a match
35
In picture: Azhar face to face with legendary West Indies pacer Courtney Walsh
36
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin acknowledges the crowd during a Test match
Recommended Photos
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Photo of Day
High tidal waves in Mumbai delay Lalbaugcha Raja`s visarjan
The iconic Lalbaugcha Raja idol was shifted onto a raft on Sunday afternoon after delays since morning due to high tide and technical challenges, with final immersion, delayed by several hours, expected to take place around 11 pm, officials said.