KOLKATA: Former Bengal skipper Prakash Chandra Poddar, commonly known as PC Poddar On the Kolkata Maidan, passed away recently in the city at the age of 82. A former first-class cricketer Poddar, who played 74 matches between 1960 and 1977, scoring 3836 runs with 11 centuries, however, is best remembered for giving Indian cricket its one of the most precious gifts in Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
After retiring from the game, Poddar became part of BCCI’s Talent Resource Development Scheme (TRDS), a project to unearth hidden talents from different parts of the country. It was in 2003 that Poddar first saw a young, long-haired Dhoni during a U-19 match of Bihar in Jamshedpur. The former India skipper scored 35 runs but even in that age, Poddar observed he had raw power and felt if groomed properly, he could become a good one-day cricketer.
When filling the form for Dhoni, Podder noted: “Good striker of the ball; has a lot of power but needs to work on his wicket-keeping. Technically not very good. Is very good at running between wickets.” As BCCI took notice of this, Dhoni’s rise began from there as he made the India ‘A’ side in 2003-04 after this.
However, Podder remained in TRDO for just one year, but instead of any regret, he always used to take pride in spotting Dhoni.
Born in 1940, a recipient of CAB’s Lifetime Achievement award, Poddar represented Bengal in 39 matches, making debut under the legendary Pankaj Roy. He went on to represent East Zone, Central Zone as well as appeared for Rest of India in Irani Cup and Board President’s team in tour games against visiting Test sides.
A good student of the game, Poddar also appeared in two Ranji Trophy finals during his three-year stint with Rajasthan later in his career.
