The last Parsi to make it to the Indian team was Rusi Jeejeebhoy, who was the reserve wicketkeeper during India’s tour to West Indies in 1971. The last Parsis to play for India were—Farokh Engineer (in 1975) and women’s captain Diana Edulji (in 1993).
Arzan Nagwaswalla
After 50 years, the Parsi community have an ‘aapro dikro’ in the Indian men’s team. Arzan Nagwaswalla, 23, left-arm medium-pacer from Gujarat was selected as one of the four stand-by bowlers for Team India when they tour the UK for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand (June 18 in Southampton) and the five-Test series against England (from August 4).
The last Parsi to make it to the Indian team was Rusi Jeejeebhoy, who was the reserve wicketkeeper during India’s tour to West Indies in 1971. The last Parsis to play for India were—Farokh Engineer (in 1975) and women’s captain Diana Edulji (in 1993).
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Nagwaswalla was thrilled to know that he’s the first Parsi after Jeejeebhoy to make it to the Indian team. “I am aware that Parsis have a rich history in Indian cricket, but I didn’t know who was the last Parsi to get an India call-up. I hope to make my community proud if given a chance to play in the Indian team. At the moment, I am just excited to be a part of the Indian team and get that experience which will help me improve in my game further,” Nagwaswalla told mid-day while heading back to his hometown Nargol, a charming coastal village in Valsad district from New Delhi where he was part of the Mumbai Indians squad as a net bowler.
Nagwaswalla, who made his first-class debut against Baroda in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy, claimed 21 wickets in his first season. He went on to pick 41 wickets in just his second season, which included three five-wicket bursts and a 10-wicket haul.
“I never expected to be with the Indian team so soon. It’s a huge moment in my career to be around the Indian players. There is so much to learn from them. I am sure I will have a lot to gain from this trip. I will get to closely learn the mindset of players, especially the bowlers during different phases of the game. All my family members were over the moon when they came to know I will travel with the Indian team. I was informed by my Association (Gujarat CA) that I may get a call for the England tour,” he said.
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