Almost 70 years ago, Mahomed Nissar bowled India's first ball in Test cricket to Percy Holmes of England, and the die was cast. For the rest of the century, all of India would beat to the rhythm of 11 men on a cricket field. They would laugh with joy, weep silent tears, berate destiny, exhalt human endeavour, bang tables in frustration, beat their chests with pride and always, always, do it as one. Cricket unites India like nothing else can. In a celebration of Indian cricket, Wisden is proud to announce the Electrolux-Kelvinator Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century awards. These aim to honour great performances – and performers – in the game, and to provide an opportunity to look back with pride on all that Indian cricket has achieved.

The awards presented at the function will be in the categories of Best Batting Performance of the Century, Best Bowling Performance of the Century the Team of the Century and the MCC Spirit of Cricket award. There will also be an Electrolux Kelvinator People's Choice Award, which will be presented on the basis of a popular poll. But the key award of the evening will of course be the Electrolux Kelvinator Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century award, selected by an eminent jury of 35 cricketers, journalists and thinkers on the game.

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