Happy Birthday Roger Binny: Here are some unknown facts about the BCCI President

Former Indian cricketer and current Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Roger Binny turned 70 years old today. The Karnataka-based cricketer was India's biggest hero in the 1983 Cricket World Cup.

As the former all-rounder celebrates his birthday, we present you with some unknown facts about him.

Highest Wicket-Taker in the 1983 Cricket World Cup

With 18 wickets in 8 matches, at a remarkable bowling average of 18.66 and a strike rate of 29.3, Roger Binny was the highest wicket-taker of the 1983 Cricket World Cup.

Who can forget the wicket of West Indies captain Clive Lloyd in the 1983 World Cup final? Along with that, Binny took 29/4 in the quarter-final against Australia as well, his best bowling figure of the tournament.

Second-Highest Wicket-Taker in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket

Roger Binny continued his terrific bowling record post the World Cup as well. In the 1985 World Championship of Cricket in Australia, he returned with 17 wickets, the second highest of the tournament.

Highest Opening Partnership in First-Class Cricket

Now, this is a very unknown fact about Roger Binny. Although Binny always played as a bowling all-rounder in the Indian team, he was more than sufficient as a batter as well.

During the 1977-78 Ranji Trophy season, Binny, alongside Sanjay Desai, set a record unbroken opening partnership of 451 runs against Kerala. Binny scored an unbeaten 211 in that inning. This is also the 12th highest opening partnership in first-class cricket history.

First Anglo-Indian to Play Test Cricket for India

Roger was also the first anglo-Indian to play test cricket for India. He debuted at his home ground in Bangalore against Pakistan in 1979.

Roger Binny, the multisport genius

Now, this might come as a surprise to many people. Before becoming an international cricketer, Roger Binny had the national record for boys in the Javelin throw. Moreover, he represented his school in football and hockey too.

Binny, the coach

Roger Binny coached the India U-19 men's cricket team during the 2000 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka. India went on to win that tournament, where Mohammed Kaif and Yuvraj Singh impressed everyone.

First 1983 World Cup winner to become BCCI President

Roger Binny succeeded former India captain Sourav Ganguly as the 36th BCCI President in October 2022. He then became the first player from the 1983 World Cup-winning squad to sit on that chair.

Son Sturat's achievements

Roger Binny's son, Stuart, also played for India in 6 tests, 14 ODIs and 3 T20Is. They are one of the seven son-father duos to play for the Indian cricket team.