Full name Vikram Singh Solanki

Born April 1, 1976, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Current age 33 years 102 days

Major teams England, Rajasthan, Worcestershire

Nickname Vik

Batting style Right-hand bat

Bowling style Right-arm offbreak

Height 6 ft 0 in

Education Regis School, Wolverhampton

One of the most elegant batsmen of his generation, and a hobby horse of Ian Botham's in his regular commentary-box tirades, Vikram Solanki flirted with the England one-day side in South Africa in 1999-2000, before slipping out of the picture until after the 2003 World Cup. Born in Udaipur, India, but raised in Wolverhampton, Solanki made his debut for Worcestershire as a 16-year-old and instantly caught the eye with his wristy driving and effortless flicks. Test recognition seemed only a matter of time as he worked his way through the various representative levels and onto two England A tours, but he was a disappointment in his first eight ODIs, with a top score of 24 and a rash of lapses in his usually silken fielding. But he has continued to score heavily for Worcestershire, and after the retirement of several senior players in 2003 he was recalled at the age of 26. He started gloriously with a sparkling century against South Africa at The Oval, flirted with oblivion while mustering 11 runs in three outings against Bangladesh, but was recalled to the squad for England's Champions Trophy campaign at the end of the 2004 season. After a decade at New Road, he was appointed Worcestershire's captain in 2005, and has remained on the periphery of England's one-day set-up ever since.
Andrew Miller January 2006

Despite having collected more than 60 first-class wickets early in his career, Vikram Solanki is much more a batsman than an all-rounder. His off-spin is becoming an increasingly rare sight on cricket fields as the talented Worcestershire player concentrates on his batting. His wristy strokeplay owes more to his Asian background than his English upbringing and it gives his batting a dimension not often seen on the county circuit from Englishmen.

The Indian-born Solanki made his one-day debut for Worcestershire in 1993, but had to wait another two years before making his first-class debut. But by then he had already caught the eye of international selectors. He toured with England Under-18s to South Africa in 1992/93 and took part in the ICC Youth Tournament in Denmark in 1994. He went with England Under-19s to the West Indies in 1994/95.

Solanki stepped up to the England A team for the tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa in 1998/99, and the following winter went with them to Bangladesh and New Zealand, where he topped the batting averages with 597 first-class runs at 59.7. But the final elevation came the following winter when he travelled with the full England squad to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Much to his disappointment, however, he failed to build a decent innings in eight one-day internationals (24 was his top score) and even his normally outstanding fielding (he is marvellous in the slips) fell below its usual standard. The following winter he was back with the A team, taking part in the Busta Cup competition in the West Indies.

It was consistent run scoring for his county that propelled him once again into the international set-up, opening the innings during the two one-day international series in 2003. His fielding shone while his innings of 106 against South Africa at The Oval marked him out as a very special talent with a bright future in the international game.

NBC Denis Compton Award 1996

Jun 24, 2009

Vikram Solanki celebrates his century

© Getty Images

May 30, 2009

Vikram Solanki is bowled by Johan van der Wath

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Apr 18, 2008

Vikram Solanki sweeps during his 140

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