Former Indian Test wicketkeeper Budhi Kunderan, one of those who missed out, said, “I was disillusioned by the Indian Cricket Board’s decision not to invite me to attend the Jubilee Test in Bombay. During my retirement from first-class cricket in 1970, I made certain remarks to an Indian journalist that I didn’t imagine would be held against me. A special kind of Indian wicket keeper, Budhi Kunderan, was born on the same day as Mahatma Gandhi, and his prowess and strength came naturally to him.
At that time, the Indian Press seemed to approve of my criticism, but I now deeply regret them. My wife’s illness caused me to make this statement during a stressful time. The opportunity to play with all the other Indian Test cricketers in Bombay would have been a source of pride and honor for me. I have written to the Indian Board explaining the situation in 1970. ‘I apologize unreservedly.’ Kunderan is unquestionably still a fine player after becoming a professional with Drumpellier. From the Scottish Cricket Union, he has received some compensation.
He has been included in the Scotland squad that will compete in this summer’s Benson & Hedges Cup for the very first time under the guidance of Brian Close. As a result of his presence in the side, the team should be able to maintain stability. As a cricketer for India, he played 18 times and scored two centuries against England in 1963–64, 192 in 431 minutes with the help of 31 fours at Madras, and 100 at Delhi.
