A former West Indies batsman of Indo-Guyanese origin, Alvin Isaac Kallicharran was known for his balance and elegance (which was enhanced by the fact that he batted left handed) at the crease. He made his debut in 1972 and burst onto the international arena immediately, when he made an unbeaten 100 against the visiting New Zealand side at Guyana in his first Test. He followed it up with another century in the next Test, a series which marked the beginning of a stellar career. He became a regular member of the legendary West Indies team for the next decade, and was the Wisden player of the Year in 1973. He was also a member of the West Indies sides which won the World Cups in 1975 and 1979.

One of his best Test innings, a majestic 158 against England at Port of Spain in 1973, was masked with controversy, when Tony Greig ran Kallicharran out when he was walking towards the pavilion after stumps. The controversy threatened to blow up, and England recalled Kallicharran the next morning. Kallicharran's career became even more controversy prone in the latter half. He wanted to join the World Series Cricket but failed as he had breached a contract with the Queensland Radio Station. He was appointed the captain of the West Indies side in 1978-79 after Clive Lloyd resigned over the Kerry Packer issue. Further controversy arose when he led an unofficial tour to South Africa during the apartheid period.

Kallicharran played his last Test in 1981 and is currently living in USA, promoting cricket among the youth of the country.

Trivia: His nephew, Mahendra Nagamootoo has made fleeting appearances for West Indies at the highest level. In stark contrast to his uncle, Nagamootoo was a leg break bowler.

By Karthik Lakshmanan