Full Name: Mohammad Azharuddin Born: February 8, 1963, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh Major teams: India, Derbyshire, Hyderabad Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Right-arm medium

Achievements:Only player to hit three consecutive centuries in first three Tests; one of the most successful India captain (14 Test and 103 ODI wins); fastest ODI century by an Indian (off 62 balls); first player to play more than 300 ODIs; Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1991

Mohammad Azharuddin, perhaps India's best ever captain, burst into the international scene when he hit three consecutive centuries in his first three Test matches in 1984. He was a charismatic batsman renowned for his wristy strokeplay.

As India captain, Mohammed Azharuddin led India to victory in 14 Tests, the highpoint being the 3-0 whitewash of England at home in 1992-93. During Azhar's captaincy India inflicted the maximum number of innings defeats on opponents, including two sets of three innings defeats in a row, on Sri Lanka and then on England, twice, followed by Zimbabwe.

In addition to being an able leader of men, Azhar also have many individual records. He is still the holder of the record of "fastest ODI century by an Indian", his 62-ball century against New Zealand in 1988. Mohd. Azharuddin was also the first player in ODI history to play more than 300 of them, and the highest ODI run-scorer of them all until Sachin Tendulkar overtook him.

A fitness freak, Azhar set impeccable standards in the field and his fielding in the slip cordon was simply world-class.