Oldest surviving cricket film: Ranjitsinhji practising in nets

[Nova]

 

Maharaja Ranjitsinhji is considered one of India’s finest cricketers. Often known as Ranji, the right-hand batsman played for English Cricket team at the highest level and also represented Cambridge University at First-Class level. Ranji was an unorthodox cricketer who grabbed recognition for inventing a special shot called ‘leg glance’.

 

India’s most famous and highest domestic tournament Ranji trophy is name after Maharaja Ranjitsinhji.

[Nova]

To watch someone play in the 19th century is just amazing. I'm amused by the batting stance in the old era. It's so light and relaxed, in the sense that the batsman seems to not apply any pressure on the bat at all.

[Adi_91]

Sunny Gavaskar mentions almost in every commentary stint about Ranjitsinhji and the leg glance whenever the shot is played. Great video.

[Nova]

56 minutes ago, Adi_91 said:

Sunny Gavaskar mentions almost in every commentary stint about Ranjitsinhji and the leg glance whenever the shot is played. Great video.

Glad you enjoyed the video. Ranjitsinhji had a tendency to play across the line, to fast bowlers, because of his habit of moving his legs in the wrong position. His coach tried to correct the leg position but the old habit of getting out of the line of the ball caused Ranji to intentionally develop the leg glance, and use the wrists to score runs in the leg side.  In the old era, it was uncommon to score runs in the square area. A faulty batting technique was improvised into the "leg glance" which now is one of the various batting techniques in coaching manuals. As they say necessity is the mother of invention.

 

I don't know if you were aware of this. So, thought I would mention this little tit bit.  :)

[Adi_91]

17 minutes ago, Nova said:

Glad you enjoyed the video. Ranjitsinhji had a tendency to play across the line, to fast bowlers, because of his habit of moving his legs in the wrong position. His coach tried to correct the leg position but the old habit of getting out of the line of the ball caused Ranji to intentionally develop the leg glance, and use the wrists to score runs in the leg side.  In the old era, it was uncommon to score runs in the square area. A faulty batting technique was improvised into the "leg glance" which now is one of the various batting techniques in coaching manuals. As they say necessity is the mother of invention.

 

I don't know if you were aware of this. So, thought I would mention this little tit bit.  :)

The shot is very common these days. And a cheeky one, looks stylish as well. Great info! 

[tweaker]

Great video...a nostalgic moment for Indian cricket fans.

[rkt.india]

He reminded me of Munaf Patel's batting.  

[sourab10forever]

Dhoni got his inspiration for the helicopter shot from here...

[Temujin Khaghan]

wafer thin tennis ball bat we used in schools.

[FischerTal]

this just shows how much of a joke cricket was during those times. none of these batsmen would survive in the 80s,90s.

[Nova]

3 minutes ago, FischerTal said:

this just shows how much of a joke cricket was during those times. none of these batsmen would survive in the 80s,90s.

You should not compare eras. Playing conditions, style, equipment, fitness etc has all evolved. Let's not disrespect the pioneers of a sport because things are different now.

[wtachetna]

I'm amazed to watch this video. It is definitely one of the oldest clips of a cricketer. There are lots of cricketers nowadays who are even better than Maharaja Ranjitsinhj. Time has its own perks!

[FischerTal]

6 minutes ago, Nova said:

You should not compare eras. Playing conditions, style, equipment, fitness etc has all evolved. Let's not disrespect the pioneers of a sport because things are different now.

yet we consistently have to hear about bradman this bradman that. I'm not even a hardcore sachin fan but for people to make bradman number one considering the poor quality of cricket that was played in his time is laughable. forget sachin and bradman, the true king of cricket IMO is Sir Viv.

 

Edit: i have nothing against ranjitsinhji

Edited July 20, 2016 by FischerTal

[New guy]

Lol at the servant running around after the ball

[wtachetna]

I agree, that time was different and people used to play cricket for the sake of playing. Now we have rules, regulations, and many standards in cricket which ensure quality in cricket game. We ought not to compare players of that era with the players who are playing under strict rules.

[Forever Indian]

If someone in the far future saw Sehwag's video playing in the nets, they will feel that it is some sub-club level cricketer. Technique doesn't mean a thing unless you see players perform against their peers.

[maniac]

Imagine Brett Lee or Morkel bowling to Ranjitsinghji

[express bowling]

Nova...good find.

[express bowling]

11 hours ago, Nova said:

To watch someone play in the 19th century is just amazing. I'm amused by the batting stance in the old era. It's so light and relaxed, in the sense that the batsman seems to not apply any pressure on the bat at all.

Also notice how close the legs are ...and defense does not seem to be an option.

[Nova]

5 hours ago, maniac said:

Imagine Brett Lee or Morkel bowling to Ranjitsinghji

We will see this --->