Kirti Azad

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Kirti Azad India (Ind)
Batting style	Right-hand bat
Bowling type	Right-arm offbreak
	Tests	ODIs
Matches	7	25
Runs scored	135	269
Batting average	11.25	14.15
100s/50s	-/-	-/-
Top score	24	39*
Balls bowled	750	390
Wickets	3	7
Bowling average	124.33	39.00
5 wickets in innings	-	-
10 wickets in match	-	N/A
Best bowling	2/84	2/48
Catches/stumpings	3/-	7/-
As of 4 February 2006 Source: Cricinfo.com

Kirtivardhan Bhagwat Jha Azad pronunciation (help·info) (born January 2, 1959, Purnea, Bihar) is a former Indian cricketer who played in 7 Tests and 25 ODIs from 1980 to 1986.

Kirti Azad played a memorable knock on 24th December, 1984 at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. On this day the first ever day and night match, under artificial lights was held between India and Pakistan. Pakistan batted first and made 197 runs from 50 overs. Kirti scored a magnificent 71, not-out, and steered India to a one-wicket victory over there arch-rivals. He scored many sixes in the knock, the most memorable over being where he hit Pakistani medium pacer Jalaluddin for 3 consecutive sixes.

After his playing career, it appeared Kirti briefly tried his chances at broadcasting in English for television but other ex Test cricketers like Gavaskar, Shastri, Arun Lal and others had stolen a March. However, in recent times, Kirti appears to have come back with a vengeance to do post match television cricket chat shows in Hindi. He has displayed a fluency and objectivity of thought that has captured the imagination of fans. He is not afraid to speak against a selection decision made in favour of a non performing player and would similarly speak for a player who he thinks needs to be given a chance.

Kirti takes an important place in Indian cricket history, being a key member of the 'Kapil's Devils' team that took the World Cup of 1983 and the world by storm, winning the title, something nobody had imagined possible by India at that stage.

Persondata
NAME	Azad, Kirtivardhan Bhagwat Jha
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Azad, Kirti
SHORT DESCRIPTION	Cricketer
DATE OF BIRTH	January 2, 1959
PLACE OF BIRTH	Purnea, Bihar
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH