Mohammad Azharuddin is a former middle-order batsman and captained India in 47 tests during the 1990s. During his playing days, Azharuddin was the captain cool of the Indian cricket team and was known for his stylish batting which relied on his wrist shots.
Born on February 8, 1963, Mohammad Azharuddin ruled the roost in Indian cricket during the time ODI cricket became the norm.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin plays a shot during an ODI game
Mohammad Azharuddin was well known for his game-changing strategies and skills as captain. Mohammad Azharuddin became the captain of the Indian team in 1989, succeeding Krishnamachari Srikkanth. Azharuddin led the Indian team in 47 Test matches and 174 One Day Internationals.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin sitting with his pads on, waiting for his turn to bat.
Mohammad Azharuddin led the Indian team to victory in 90 One Day Internationals, the highest until M.S. Dhoni surpassed him on September 2, 2014. Mohammad Azharuddin's 14 test match wins as captain was a record until Sourav Ganguly overtook him with 21 test match wins to Ganguly's name.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with Sachin Tendulkar rejoicing after they win a match.
Mohammad Azharuddin was initially married to Naureen in 1987. Mohammad Azharuddin also had two sons with her.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with Sachin practising in the nets on April 18, 1999
Mohammad Azharuddin divorced Naureen and was then married to Bollywood actress Sangeeta Bijlani in 1996. Azhar and Sangeeta divorced in 2010.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with Ajay Sharma and Tendulkar at a prize distribution after a Test at Wankhede on Feb 23, 1993.
Mohammad Azharuddin had two sons Ayazuddin and Asaduddin. Ayazuddin passed away in a road accident in 2011.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with veteran Indian cricketer Kapil Dev
Mohammad Azharuddin's other son Asaduddin is a cricketer, who was selected for the Goa state team in September 2018.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin plays a shot during a match
Mohammad Azharuddin was accused of match-fixing in the year 2000 and the cricket authorities banned him for life.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with former Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar on his live TV program
On November 8, 2012, a Divisional Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court revoked the ban imposed based on evidence found. Azharuddin, however, was 49 years old by then and was past his cricket days.
In picture: With former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott.
Mohammad Azharuddin has a prominent career in Indian politics as well. The former Indian captain joined Indian National Congress on February 19, 2009. He won the Indian general election, 2009 from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh to become a Member of Parliament.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with former Indian cricketers Ajit Wadekar (R) and Sandeep Patil (L)
Mohammad Azharuddin's stellar life caught the attention of Bollywood and a film inspired on his life was made titled 'Azhar'.
Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi essayed the role loosely based on Mohammad Azharuddin while actress Nargis Fakhri played the role of the lead actress.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin practising one of his favourite shots.
Mohammad Azharuddin and Navjot Singh Sidhu had a very friendly relationship during their playing days.
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin with Navjot Singh Sidhu during a training session
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin pursuing what could have been one of his hobbies off the field, probably
Here are a few pictures with Sachin Tendulkar, who was also known as Mohammad Azharuddin's protege
Mohammad Azharuddin and Sachin Tendulkar together were a pair that posed a threat to the opposition during the middle overs
In picture: Mohammad Azharuddin acknowledges the crowd during a Test match
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