IPL is pure entertainment, though it is overdose ! In the 43rd match of IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lost again .. their first-ever home defeat to SRH. The score of 154 clearly was not enough as they fell by way side after being 114/4 in 13th over.
If you are over 50, have been following Cricket since mid 1970s and can remember all players of those times – check and say whether you remember these 2 names Milton Pydana and Randhir Singh – incidentally both played their last International match at Guwahati – the 5th ODI on 17.12.1983
It was a series that Indian supporters would like to forget !! West Indies visited India fresh after their surprise humiliating loss in WC 1983 finals. Captained by Clive Lloyd, West Indies played six Test matches against India as well as five ODI in addition to other first class matches. West Indies won three tests lost none and won all the five ODIs. Despite the poor performance of Indian players, India did manage to create some records in this series. Kapil Dev produced his career best innings spell of 9 wickets in an innings for 83 runs and Gavaskar scored his career best 236 not out in this series. This knock of 236 runs not out took him past Donald Bradman's record of 29 test hundreds and Vinoo Mankad's record score of 231.
At Guwahati, India batted first – made 178/7 and WI won by 6 wickets with 14 balls remaining. With Kapil Dev not playing, it was the most inexperienced attack of Chetan Sharma, Roger Binny, Randhir Singh, debutant Raju Kulkarni, Mohinder Amarnath and Ravi Shastri. Both sides were below strength. West Indies rested Lloyd and Dujon, both suffering from minor injuries, and Roberts, while India were without Kapil Dev and Gavaskar. Indian captain was Syed Kirmani.
Medium
pacer Randhir Singh was one of several surprise choices in the Indian squad
which toured England in 1982. He didn't score a run on the entire tour, and his
bowling chances were limited. After finishing wicketless on his ODI debut
against England at Ahmedabad in 1981-82, he was brought back to play a game
against West Indies two years later when he picked up the wicket of Gordon Greenidge,
bowling six overs for 30 runs. That remained the extent of his international
career, although he continued to play for several more seasons in the Ranji
Trophy.
It was the last match for him and Milton Pydanna. Milton Robert Pydana who passed away recently was a Guyanese cricketer who represented the West Indies in three One Day International (ODI) matches. A skilled wicket-keeper and right-handed batsman who typically played in the middle to lower order, Pydana had a notable first-class cricket career with Guyana spanning 17 seasons (1970–1987). He also served as captain of the Berbice team in Guyanese domestic cricket, leading them to multiple championship victories.
Some of you may remember that Pydana was the reserve wicket keeper in that formidable West Indies Team led by Clive Lloyd. Earlier in 1981, he made his international debut at Pakistan and played in two ODIs, memorably scoring the winning runs in his second match—the only time he batted in international competition. His third and final ODI appearance came at Guwahati, then he fell into oblivion.
Following his cricket career, Pydana emigrated to the United States in 1989, settling in Brooklyn, New York with his family. He remained there until his death on 15 April 2025. Cricket West Indies posted a heavy message on his passing away. Milton’s story is one of quiet strength and untiring perseverance. In an era dominated by some of the greatest cricketers our region has ever known, Milton stood with dignity and determination, always prepared to answer the call for West Indies. Though his time in the maroon may have been brief, his impact was far deeper — a symbol of the countless men and women who give their all for the game, often without the spotlight they so richly deserve." Behind the stumps, he was sharp and reliable, seizing every opportunity with grace — whether claiming the wicket of a giant like Javed Miandad or guiding his teammates with calm assurance.
Milton Pydanna may not have been a household name, but he was a hero in his own right — a testament to dedication, humility, and love for the game. His journey reminds us that greatness is not only measured in records, but in heart, sacrifice, and service – stated Cricket WI. He was a former Police in Berbice, Guyana and passed away at 75 years of age.
RIP Pydana !!
Medium
pacer Randhir singh played 2 ODIs, and in the both Kapil Dev did not play. He debuted at Ahmedabad in 1981 in the 1st
ODI against England when Kapil was
injured and unable to play.
Regards – S Sampathkumar
26.4.2025