Devang Gandhi

Though the tour of Australia in 1999-2000 exposed Devang Gandhi's technique against the fast, short rising deliveries, he continued to play well at domestic level. His international career started so well, albeit on Indian wickets. Against New Zealand in his debut series, Gandhi seemed completely at ease in handling the new ball and he was at once hailed an opening batsmen of considerable promise. Two successive opening stands with Sadagopan Ramesh in the Tests marked him out as a batsman who seemed to have everything - strokes, technique, temparament and courage. Then came the nightmarish tour of Australia and suddenly Gandhi found the critics writing his epitaph. While he was not discouraged by such adverse comments, Gandhi's resolve was not enough to enable him to fight his way back into the Indian team. He announced his retirement in April 2006.
Partab Ramchand