About Eknath Solkar
Eknath Dhondu Solkar (18 March 1948 – 26 June 2005) was an Indian all-round cricketer who played 27 Test matches and seven One Day Internationals for his country. He was born in Bombay, and died of heart attack in the same city at the age of 57. A specialist close-in fielder, he was regarded as one of the greatest fielders in the world during his playing days. His catches per match ratio is one of the best in Test cricket. Solkar was a capable batsman with a Test century to his name, and he could bowl fast as well as slow. Solkar was renowned for his excellent close fielding, of which he once remarked, "I only watch the ball." His catches helped India to victory against England at The Oval in 1971, the team's first Test win in England. Eknath's teammate at Sussex, Tony Greig once said, "He was the best forward short leg I've ever seen." His 53 catches in only 27 matches is the best ratio for catches per Test match among non-wicket-keepers with 20 or more Tests. He is responsible for one of cricket's most celebrated quotes, directed at Geoffrey Boycott: "I will out you bloody." Anant Solkar, Eknath's younger brother, also played cricket at first class level, representing Maharashtra in Ranji Trophy matches. He played for Sussex Second XI in 1969 and 1970 and became eligible to play for the first XI, but represented them in only one match. He became the first Indian Test Cricketer to be born post independence.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.