11 August,2026 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh Mayure
Dr Chandrakant Patankar at his Sewri residence on Monday. Pic/Ashish Raje
India's oldest living Test cricketer, wicketkeeper-batsman Dr Chandrakant Patankar, 95, had no idea that the country will be playing its 600th Test match when they take on Sri Lanka in Galle on August 15. But he was delighted to learn about the same when mid-day paid him a visit at his Sewri residence on Monday.
Patankar, who played only one Test (against New Zealand at Kolkata in 1955-56), reckoned that the longest format is not just here to stay alongside the game's highly successful ODI and T20I versions, but is also evolving in every aspect with everyone, including the current generation and the former cricketers and their families, enjoying its benefits.
"There is a huge difference in today's cricket and when we used to play this game. Facilities-wise, skill-wise, the player's approach towards this game has changed a lot. Now, there are matches around the year and playing across most of those 365 days requires top fitness levels. That's why today's players are much fitter than what we used to be. Test cricket is progressing well and will continue to do well in the future.
Taking Test cricket to smaller venues is boosting interest among spectators and upcoming players too. Day-Night Tests are also a great idea," Patankar told mid-day at his ground floor home at Maharashtra Cooperative Housing Society in Ambekar Nagar, where he has been residing for the last 40 years.
Patankar, who represented both Mumbai and Maharashtra in first-class cricket, also hailed BCCI for working for the benefit of cricketers. "I received Rs 250 for playing that Kolkata Test, and in those days, that amount was big enough. Nowadays, financially things have improved so much for the current lot. Even we, former players, are receiving a good pension. I get Rs 60,000 per month from BCCI and I'm very grateful," said Patankar, going on to recall how he got the news of his India selection back in the day: "I used to live at my elder cousin's home in Girgaon and we didn't have a radio so the day India's team was announced for the series against NZ, I stood in the gallery [balcony] of our home, trying to listen to the announcement on our neighbour's radio. And when I heard my name, I ran into the hall, shouting âI got selected'. The next day, I went to the BCCI office [at Brabourne Stadium] to collect my India selection letter, submitted my leave application to my employers, BEST, and headed off to do my rail reservation for Kolkata."
Patankar revealed he made his Test debut wearing his Shivaji Park Gymkhana (SPG) cap at Kolkata, where he scored 13 and one not out, took three catches behind the stumps and effected one stumping in the drawn encounter.
When asked what it feels like to be India's oldest living Test cricketer, wheelchair-bound Patankar paused while slowly sipping on his cup of evening tea, looked up and replied with a smile: "I'm fortunate and enjoying every moment of it. I watch every match on TV; I follow our women's cricket team too as they are very competitive. I particularly admire Virat Kohli for his fitness and commitment to the game. Also, Shubman Gill is a cool, confident and composed cricketer. I hope he can lead India to a Test series win over the Lankans," Patankar signed off.
[popcorn number="26" desc="No. of first-class matches played by Dr Chandrakant Patankar, including one Test" class="Default"]
[popcorn number="19 months" desc="Dr Chandrakant Patankar's age when India played its first Test, against England at Lord's in June 1932" class="Default"]
