Related Articles
If you’ve watched Mohammad Azharuddin (fondly known as Azhar) on the cricket field, you must have noticed his distinctive style of playing with his collar up. For some, it was a mark of his personality; for others, it came across as arrogance. Regardless, the unique style garnered attention and admiration from fans. But why did Azharuddin keep his collar up? Let’s uncover the real story behind this habit.
Table of content
The Real Reason Behind the Upright Collar
In an interview on the YouTube show Cricket Diaries, Azharuddin revealed the true reason for his signature look. He explained that he started playing with his collar up in 1993-94 to protect his neck from the scorching sun.
Azhar often fielded at silly point, a position notoriously close to the batsman. Standing there for extended periods under the blazing sun made his neck extremely uncomfortable. To combat this, he began raising his collar, and it soon became a permanent fixture of his on-field persona.
The Teasing and the Acceptance
When Azhar first adopted this style, his teammates poked fun at him. They joked that a special someone in his life might be the reason for his newfound look. Despite the teasing, Azhar stuck to the habit because of its practicality. Over time, it became a part of his identity.
Azhar even shared an amusing incident. Someone once commented, “Azhar bhai, your collars are still up!” To this, Azhar wittily replied, “Should I put them down?” The person laughed and responded, “No, you look good with them up!”
A Phenomenal Start to His Career
Beyond his unique style, Azharuddin was a batting marvel. He is among the rare cricketers to score centuries in his first three Test matches.
Azhar made his international debut on the last day of 1984 in a Test match against England. In that game, he scored a stellar 110 runs in the only innings he played. He followed it up with scores of 48 and 153 in the next Test. In his third match, he continued his dream run with 122 in the first innings and an unbeaten 54 in the second, amassing a total of 439 runs in his first three Tests.
Azharuddin’s Test Career
Azhar played 99 Test matches, narrowly missing the 100-match milestone. Across 147 innings, he scored 6,215 runs at an average of 45.03, including 22 centuries and 21 half-centuries. In one instance, he fell just one run short of a double century.
Azharuddin’s ODI Career
In ODIs, Azharuddin was a consistent performer, playing 334 matches and scoring 9,378 runs. His highest score was an unbeaten 153, and he registered 7 centuries and 58 half-centuries in this format.
Legacy of Style and Substance
Mohammad Azharuddin was not just a cricketer; he was an icon of elegance, both in his batting and personal style. The raised collar wasn’t just a quirk—it was a reflection of his adaptability and individuality. Whether it was his memorable centuries or his signature look, Azhar left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
What started as a shield against the sun became a symbol of his larger-than-life personality, reminding us that sometimes, even the smallest quirks can become timeless trademarks.
