Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar recalled how he was inspired by India’s great all-rounder Vinoo Mankad when he was just 17. Vengsarkar, 66, was addressing a gathering as chief guest of the 106th Purshottam Shield prize distribution function at PJ Hindu Gymkhana on Sunday.

“I played the Purushottam Shield for the first time in 1974 —Dadar Union v New Hind in the final—and I scored 85 against a good bowling attack comprising Pandurang Salgaonkar and Ajit Pai. Vinoo Mankad, who was watching my innings congratulated me. He said, ‘well played’ and that was a very big thing for me,” said Vengsarkar, who represented Dadar Union.