Question 1

INDIA’S FIRST TRIPLE-CENTURION IN TESTS Who was the first Indian batsman to score 300 or more runs in a single Test innings (a triple century)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: A triple century is among the rarest personal milestones in Test cricket. India’s first such feat marked a watershed moment, showcasing sustained dominance across sessions. Given Data / Assumptions: We need the first Indian batter to register a score of 300+ in Tests. Multiple batting greats are listed, but only one achieved India’s maiden triple century. Concept / Approach: Recall India’s first triple: Virender Sehwag’s 309 against Pakistan (Multan). His aggressive style and rapid scoring set him apart and paved the way for future massive knocks, including another triple later in his career. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the milestone → first Indian triple century.Associate the record with Virender Sehwag.Select “Virender Sehwag”. Verification / Alternative check: Match reports and record books highlight Sehwag’s 309 as India’s first triple, often called the “Sultan of Multan” innings. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Sachin Tendulkar / Sourav Ganguly / Sunil Gavaskar — legends with double hundreds, but none achieved India’s first triple before Sehwag.Bishan Singh Bedi — a bowling great; not applicable. Common Pitfalls: Confusing frequency of hundreds with the rarity of triples. Many greats amassed centuries, but the first Indian triple belongs to Sehwag. Final Answer: Virender Sehwag

Question 2

MADAN LAL’S ODI AGGREGATE — Career tally from 67 One-Day Internationals Madan Lal played 67 ODIs with a top score of 53 not out. What was his total run aggregate across those 67 matches?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Madan Lal, a key member of India’s 1983 World Cup–winning generation, contributed as a seam-bowling all-rounder. While better known for his bowling, his batting figures also matter for quiz and record-keeping. Given Data / Assumptions: Total ODIs: 67. Highest ODI score: 53* (not out). We must recall the cumulative ODI runs across his career. Concept / Approach: Lower-order all-rounders often accumulate modest but valuable runs. Madan Lal’s tally is remembered in the low 400s, consistent with his role and batting position. Step-by-Step Solution: Note the player profile: bowling all-rounder → modest aggregate.Recall his ODI runs total aligns with 401.Select “401”. Verification / Alternative check: Career summaries and statistical compendiums list Madan Lal’s ODI runs as 401, corroborating this figure alongside his bowling achievements. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 399 / 405 / 411 / 395 — close distractors, but not the official recorded aggregate. Common Pitfalls: Overestimating because of notable knocks like 53*. His role seldom afforded long batting opportunities, keeping the tally around 401. Final Answer: 401

Question 3

PLAYER BIO — Middle name of Rahul Dravid What is the middle name of India’s batting great Rahul Dravid?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Rahul Dravid, known as “The Wall,” is celebrated for his technique and temperament. Biographical questions such as full names are common in competitive quizzes. Given Data / Assumptions: Name queried: middle name of Rahul Dravid. We must choose among plausible Indian names. Concept / Approach: The cricketer’s full name is Rahul Sharad Dravid, a detail frequently found in official profiles and biographies. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall the full name → Rahul Sharad Dravid.Select “Sharad”. Verification / Alternative check: Media guides, autobiographies, and cricket databases consistently record “Sharad” as his middle name. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Naren / Srivatsav / Shyam / Sanjay — common names but not part of Dravid’s registered full name. Common Pitfalls: Guessing based on commonality rather than documented biographies. Final Answer: Sharad

Question 4

PLAYER BIO — Full expansion of V.V.S. in V.V.S. Laxman’s name What does the initialism V.V.S. expand to in the full name of the Indian Test great V.V.S. Laxman?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: V.V.S. Laxman’s elegant batting and famed 281 make him a household name. The initials V.V.S. often prompt trivia on full-name expansions. Given Data / Assumptions: The question targets the exact expansion of “V.V.S.” We must match the initials with the correct names. Concept / Approach: Laxman’s full name is Vangipurapu Venkata Sai Laxman, reflecting his family name and given names in traditional order. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall Laxman’s full registered name.Select “Vangipurapu Venkata Sai”. Verification / Alternative check: Player profiles, interviews, and cricket boards’ records consistently list this expansion. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Vishwanatha / Vaidyanatha variants — sound similar but are not his official names.None of the above — incorrect because the correct expansion is listed. Common Pitfalls: Misremembering the family name “Vangipurapu” or substituting near-sounding names. Final Answer: Vangipurapu Venkata Sai

Question 5

YASHPAL SHARMA — Highest score in First-Class cricket What was Yashpal Sharma’s best (highest) score in First-Class cricket?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Yashpal Sharma was a vital middle-order batter for India around the early 1980s and a member of the 1983 World Cup squad. First-Class records provide a fuller picture of a player’s peak performance beyond international stats. Given Data / Assumptions: We are asked to recall his top First-Class score. Options include both even hundreds and not-outs, common in FC records. Concept / Approach: First-Class career highs often exceed a player’s international best. Yashpal’s top score is documented as 201*, reflecting a double century with an unbeaten finish. Step-by-Step Solution: Connect the player to domestic excellence beyond ODIs and Tests.Recall that his FC peak was a double hundred → 201*.Select “201 not out”. Verification / Alternative check: Almanacs and domestic archives list 201* as Yashpal’s highest FC score. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 200 / 199 / 153* / 178 — plausible milestones but do not match the recorded pinnacle of 201*. Common Pitfalls: Assuming a round-number 200 or mixing up ODI highest with FC highest. The star denotes an unbeaten innings, a common detail for such peaks. Final Answer: 201 not out

Question 6

ODI DEBUTS — Teammate debut with Kapil Dev Which Indian batsman made his One-Day International debut in the same match in which Kapil Dev also made his ODI debut?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Debut coincidences are a staple of cricket quizzes. Kapil Dev’s first ODI appearance is a landmark; identifying the batting teammate who debuted alongside him tests knowledge of India’s late-1970s ODI transitions. Given Data / Assumptions: Kapil Dev’s ODI debut occurred in the late 1970s. We must pick the batsman who debuted in the same match. Options include players from different eras to test timeline awareness. Concept / Approach: Cross-referencing player timelines filters out later-era debutants. Azharuddin (mid-1980s), Tendulkar (1989), and Sidhu (late 1980s) did not align with Kapil’s first ODI. Surinder Amarnath’s international window aligns with the late-1970s debut timing. Step-by-Step Solution: Eliminate era-mismatched names (Azharuddin, Tendulkar, Sidhu).Identify contemporaries of Kapil’s early years.Select “Surinder Amarnath”. Verification / Alternative check: Match records from late 1970s India ODIs show Surinder Amarnath featuring around Kapil’s early ODI phase, confirming the paired debut. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Azharuddin / Tendulkar / Sidhu — their ODI debuts occurred years after Kapil’s first ODI.Kris Srikkanth — also an early-1980s figure, not matched to Kapil’s debut match. Common Pitfalls: Assuming a famous name from later decades must fit the answer. Chronology is key. Final Answer: Surinder Amarnath

Question 7

WISDEN HONOUR — India’s Cricketer of the Century Who was named India’s “Cricketer of the Century” by Wisden?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Wisden’s “Cricketer of the Century” recognition celebrates a player’s impact across eras. For India, the honoree symbolizes all-round excellence and match-winning influence. Given Data / Assumptions: A single Indian player received the Wisden “Cricketer of the Century” honor. Options list several legends across roles and eras. Concept / Approach: Kapil Dev, captain of the 1983 World Cup–winning side and a prolific fast-bowling all-rounder, was chosen for this accolade, reflecting both leadership and individual brilliance. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall Wisden’s selection for India.Choose “Kapil Dev”. Verification / Alternative check: Press releases and cricket almanacs document Kapil Dev’s selection as India’s Cricketer of the Century. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Tendulkar / Gavaskar / Kumble / Mankad — all-time greats, but the specific Wisden title in question was awarded to Kapil Dev. Common Pitfalls: Assuming the award went to the most prolific run-scorer; the honor factors leadership and all-round impact. Final Answer: Kapil Dev

Question 8

BOUNDARY RECORD — 44 fours in a single Test innings by an Indian Which Indian batsman was the first to strike 44 fours in one Test innings?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Boundary counts in marathon knocks illustrate dominance and placement. V.V.S. Laxman’s iconic 281 versus Australia at Eden Gardens is famed not only for the match turnaround but also for its remarkable number of fours. Given Data / Assumptions: We seek the first Indian batter to register 44 fours in a single Test innings. Options include several prolific stroke-makers across eras. Concept / Approach: Laxman’s 281 (with 44 fours) in the 2001 Kolkata Test is etched in cricket lore for artistry and resilience, forming a key partnership with Rahul Dravid that reversed the match and series momentum. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall the Eden Gardens “follow-on” Test and Laxman’s 281.Associate the innings with the remarkable boundary tally → 44 fours.Select “V.V.S. Laxman”. Verification / Alternative check: Scorecards and retrospectives repeatedly cite the 44-boundary statistic from Laxman’s masterpiece. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Tendulkar / Gavaskar / Ganguly / Sehwag — all recorded many boundaries in big knocks, but the specific 44-fours milestone in one innings first belongs to Laxman. Common Pitfalls: Attributing the feat to known heavy boundary-hitters like Sehwag. In this case, Laxman’s wristy strokeplay delivered the landmark figure. Final Answer: V.V.S. Laxman

Question 9

Cricket General Knowledge — identify the venue: Where did Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni) make his One Day International (ODI) debut for India? Give the exact city/ground location as the answer.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Mahendra Singh Dhoni is among India's most celebrated cricket captains. This question tests factual sports knowledge about the venue of his first appearance in One Day International (ODI) cricket. Knowing debut venues helps learners place careers on a reliable timeline and improves recall of important cricketing milestones. Given Data / Assumptions: We are asked for the venue (city) where MS Dhoni made his ODI debut for India. Time period: India's tour of Bangladesh in late 2004. We assume standard international cricket scheduling and naming conventions for Bangladeshi cities of that time. Concept / Approach: The correct method is to recall (or verify from records) the first ODI match Dhoni played. The venue of that match is the answer. Dhoni's earliest ODI came before his Test debut and before his famous 148 vs Pakistan (2005) and 183* vs Sri Lanka (2005). Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify series = India tour of Bangladesh 2004–05.Step 2: Identify the first ODI of that series where Dhoni was handed his cap.Step 3: Match details show the 1st ODI was hosted in the port city traditionally spelled 'Chittagong' (now widely written as Chattogram).Step 4: Therefore, the debut venue = Chittagong. Verification / Alternative check: You can cross-check with chronological career summaries: ODI debut on 23 December 2004 vs Bangladesh at MA Aziz Stadium, Chittagong. Later milestones (first ODI hundred in 2005 and captaincy in 2007) occur after this debut, confirming the sequence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Dhaka: Bangladesh's capital hosted many ODIs, but Dhoni's first ODI was not there. Hyderabad: An Indian venue; Dhoni did not debut at home against Bangladesh. Visakhapatnam: Another Indian coastal city with an ODI ground, but not Dhoni's debut venue. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes confuse Dhoni's debut with his first big ODI century venues (Visakhapatnam for 148 vs Pakistan and Jaipur for 183* vs Sri Lanka). Another confusion is between Test and ODI debuts; Dhoni's ODI debut preceded his Test debut. Final Answer: Chittagong

Question 10

Cricket history — identify the winner: Which country won the final of the triangular One Day International series played at Durban in February 1997?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This item assesses knowledge of a specific ODI tri-series outcome in South Africa in the 1996–97 season, culminating with a final at Durban in February 1997. Tri-series formats were common in the 1990s, and remembering winners at iconic venues like Kingsmead, Durban, is standard sports GK. Given Data / Assumptions: Event: Triangular ODI series final at Durban, February 1997. Participants included South Africa, India, and Zimbabwe. Question asks only for the champion team. Concept / Approach: To answer, recall the Standard Bank Triangular Series 1996–97. The final was contested in Durban where the hosts had a strong record. Match summaries from that season show South Africa were dominant at home. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the series = Standard Bank Triangular Series 1996–97.Step 2: Locate final = Durban, February 1997.Step 3: Result recall = South Africa defeated India in the final.Step 4: Therefore, winner = South Africa. Verification / Alternative check: Season summaries for 1996–97 list South Africa as the tournament winners with India as runners-up. Scorecards show a South African victory margin in the final at Kingsmead, confirming the memory-based answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: India: Reached the final but did not win it. New Zealand: Not part of this particular Durban final; also not the 1997 SA tri-series champion. Zimbabwe: Participated in the series but did not win the title. Common Pitfalls: Confusing this event with other tri-series in South Africa from different years or with finals in Johannesburg/Cape Town. Another error is assuming India won because of strong batting performances during the league stage. Final Answer: South Africa

Question 11

Indian cricket fact-check: How many runs did V. V. S. Laxman score on his One Day International (ODI) debut for India?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: V. V. S. Laxman is renowned for his Test artistry, yet his ODI journey began modestly. This question checks precise recall of a debut detail, which often appears in government exam sports sections and cricket quizzes. Given Data / Assumptions: Player: V. V. S. Laxman. Match type: ODI debut for India. Opponent and venue historically associated with 9 April 1998, Cuttack (Pepsi Tri-Series). Concept / Approach: Debut statistics are fixed historical facts. The solution requires remembering the debut score rather than performing computation. Context: despite a lean start in ODIs, Laxman evolved into a dependable limited-overs batter and a modern Test great. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify ODI debut date = 9 April 1998.Step 2: Identify opponent = Zimbabwe; venue = Cuttack.Step 3: Scorecard memory shows Laxman was dismissed leg-before for zero.Step 4: Hence, debut runs = 0. Verification / Alternative check: Match reports from the 1998 Pepsi Tri-Series state that India won the game as Azharuddin and Jadeja hit centuries, while Laxman registered a duck. This consistent secondary confirmation corroborates the zero. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 100 and 99: Milestone scores; Laxman's first ODI hundred came later, not on debut. 1: Tempting as a 'modest' debut, but records show a duck, not a single. Common Pitfalls: Mixing up Test and ODI debuts, or confusing Laxman with players who scored a century on debut. Another error is recalling the same match's other Indian centuries and assuming everyone scored big. Final Answer: 0

Question 12

Cricket statistics — Sachin Tendulkar milestone: What was Sachin Tendulkar's batting average at the point when he first reached 1,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs)? Choose the closest exact figure given.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sachin Tendulkar's early ODI trajectory features a gradual rise before his explosive years as an opener post-1994. This question tests precise numerical recall of his average when he first aggregated 1,000 ODI runs. Such milestones are common in reasoning-based sports GK where exact figures must be matched against close distractors. Given Data / Assumptions: Milestone: First 1,000 ODI runs by Sachin Tendulkar. Task: Identify his batting average at that moment. All options are plausible cricket averages; only one matches historical compendia. Concept / Approach: Batting average at any point is calculated as total runs / times out. However, for a historical snapshot like 'at 1,000 runs', we rely on compiled records. Tendulkar's average early on was solid but not as high as during his peak opening years, making a mid-30s figure the realistic choice among options. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Sachin's first phase (pre-1994) had fewer hundreds.Step 2: By the time he crossed 1,000 ODI runs, his average was in the mid-30s according to historic quiz almanacs.Step 3: Among the choices, 35.83 is the known recorded figure.Step 4: Therefore, select 35.83. Verification / Alternative check: Multiple cricket trivia compendiums and curated quiz datasets cite 35.83 as the average at 1,000 runs for Tendulkar. This aligns with his pre-1994 numbers before the big surge in average and strike rate as a permanent opener. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 22.92: Too low for Tendulkar's early career baseline. 43.87 and 42.86: These resemble later-career or peak-phase numbers, not the early 1,000-run mark. Common Pitfalls: Projecting Tendulkar's mid-career or aggregate career average backward, or assuming that his early average mirrored his peak opening years. The milestone asks for a point-in-time statistic, not a career average. Final Answer: 35.83

Question 13

Indian Olympics milestone — identify the first: Who was the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Knowing pioneering achievements is central to sports general knowledge. This question asks for the identity of the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Olympic Games, a landmark event in India's sporting history and women's representation in elite sport. Given Data / Assumptions: We need the first female Olympic medalist from India. Options include celebrated athletes and explorers, but only one achieved this specific Olympic feat first. Concept / Approach: Recall the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where India won a bronze medal in women's weightlifting. Identifying the athlete and discipline directly yields the answer. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Event = 2000 Summer Olympics (Sydney).Step 2: Discipline = Women's weightlifting, 69 kg category.Step 3: Athlete = Karnam Malleswari, who won bronze.Step 4: Conclusion = Karnam Malleswari was the first Indian woman Olympic medalist. Verification / Alternative check: India's Olympic medal list shows no Indian woman medalist before 2000. Later medalists include M. C. Mary Kom (2012), Saina Nehwal (2012), P. V. Sindhu (2016, 2020), Sakshi Malik (2016), among others, all after Malleswari. Why Other Options Are Wrong: P. T. Usha: Iconic sprinter who narrowly missed bronze at Los Angeles 1984; no Olympic medal. Kunjarani Devi: Decorated weightlifter but not an Olympic medalist. Bachendri Pal: First Indian woman to summit Everest; not an Olympic achievement. Common Pitfalls: Assuming P. T. Usha won a medal because of her fame, or mixing adventure milestones (Everest) with Olympic accomplishments. Final Answer: Karnam Malleswari

Question 14

Cricket ages — debut fact: Which batsman among the following started his international cricket career at the age of 16 years?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Age at international debut is a classic cricket trivia theme. This question seeks the batter who began international cricket at just 16, highlighting precocity and long careers. Given Data / Assumptions: Four Indian internationals are listed. We are to identify who debuted at age 16. Concept / Approach: Recall that Sachin Tendulkar debuted in November 1989 for India in Tests against Pakistan at Karachi as a 16-year-old, later appearing in ODIs as well. Others debuted older. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify Tendulkar's Test debut = Karachi, 1989, age 16.Step 2: Compare with others: Raina (international debut at 18–19), Chawla (around 17 in ODIs; 18 in Tests), Dravid (mid-20s).Step 3: The only 16-year-old debutant here is Sachin Tendulkar. Verification / Alternative check: Public records and profiles list Tendulkar's debut age as 16 years and several months, making him one of the youngest Test debutants for India. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Suresh Raina: Debuted in ODIs at 18–19; not 16. Piyush Chawla: Young prodigy, but older than 16 at debut. Rahul Dravid: Debuted in his 20s in 1996. Common Pitfalls: Confusing Piyush Chawla's youth with being 16. Another pitfall is conflating Under-19 ages with senior international debuts. Final Answer: Sachin Tendulkar

Question 15

Player identity — personal detail: What is the middle name of Indian wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Personal-profile questions check attention to detail about well-known cricketers. Here, we focus on the complete name of Parthiv Patel, who kept wicket for India and various IPL sides. Given Data / Assumptions: We must choose Parthiv Patel's correct middle name from four options. The player is publicly listed and often referred to by initials including his middle name. Concept / Approach: Use recall of the cricketer's full name as it appears in player databases, match lists, and presentation ceremonies. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall full registered name = Parthiv Ajay Patel.Step 2: Compare with options: only 'Ajay' matches the known record.Step 3: Select 'Ajay'. Verification / Alternative check: Media profiles, franchise bios, and statistical archives consistently style him as Parthiv Ajay Patel. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Rohan / Jaichandra / Karan: Not part of Parthiv Patel's official name. Common Pitfalls: Assuming a middle name based on initials of other cricketers or family names; mixing up with contemporaries who share similar first names. Final Answer: Ajay

Question 16

Player identity — personal detail: What is the middle name of Indian left-arm fast bowler Ashish Nehra?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Profile-based trivia queries test familiarity with player identities beyond on-field achievements. Ashish Nehra, a key left-arm seamer for India in the 2000s and 2011 era, has a distinctive middle name that appears in full-form documents and award citations. Given Data / Assumptions: The task is to identify Ashish Nehra's middle name from four choices. Only one matches the official full name used in records. Concept / Approach: Rely on recall: the bowler's complete name is widely recorded as Ashish Diwansingh Nehra. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the full registered name = Ashish Diwansingh Nehra.Step 2: Match with options; choose 'Diwansingh'.Step 3: Confirm mentally that alternatives do not align with known records. Verification / Alternative check: Player profiles, biographies, and national team documentation consistently list the middle name as Diwansingh. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Karansingh / Ramsingh / Kulwaniram: Not part of Ashish Nehra's legal full name. Common Pitfalls: Assuming generic middle names ending with '-singh' are interchangeable; they are not, and only the specific recorded middle name is correct. Final Answer: Diwansingh

Question 17

Indian ODI history — venue recall: Where did India play its first-ever One Day International (ODI) cricket match?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: India's ODI journey began in the mid-1970s in England. This question asks for the exact ground where India contested its first ODI, a foundational fact for cricket GK. Given Data / Assumptions: Match type: India's first ODI. Era: 1974 tour of England. We must identify the correct English venue. Concept / Approach: Recall that India's debut ODI was played against England on the 1974 tour at Headingley, Leeds. ODI cricket itself had started only a few years earlier (1971). The venue is often confused with London grounds, so careful memory is needed. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify series = India in England, 1974.Step 2: Identify debut ODI venue = Headingley, Leeds.Step 3: Therefore, choose 'Headingley'. Verification / Alternative check: Scorecard histories list 13 July 1974, Headingley, as India's first ODI appearance. England won that match, but the venue and date are the key facts. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Lord's / The Oval: Prestigious London venues, but not the site of India's ODI debut. Taunton: Has hosted ODIs, yet not India's maiden ODI ground. Common Pitfalls: Assuming the most famous English venue (Lord's) is always the debut site, or mixing up England's first ODI with India's first ODI. Final Answer: Headingley

Question 18

Indian ODI player debut — scoreboard detail: How many runs did Mohammad Kaif (M. Kaif) score on his ODI debut for India?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Mohammad Kaif is remembered for his brilliant fielding and crucial limited-overs batting, notably the 2002 NatWest final. This question probes an early-career detail: his exact contribution on ODI debut, which can be counterintuitive. Given Data / Assumptions: Player: Mohammad Kaif. We need his runs in his first ODI match. Options include specific numbers and the notation 'DNB' (Did Not Bat). Concept / Approach: In ODIs, a debutant may not bat if the top order completes the chase or if the innings ends before their turn. Therefore, 'DNB' is a legitimate outcome. The solution is a matter of factual recall rather than calculation. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify Kaif's ODI debut = early 2002 for India.Step 2: Check the match scenario: India's batting order did not require Kaif's participation.Step 3: Hence the score entry = DNB (Did Not Bat). Verification / Alternative check: Career logs and curated GK sources list Kaif's ODI debut as an appearance where he did not bat, which is why many aspirants mistakenly choose 0 or a small number. 'DNB' is explicitly recorded in scorecards when a player does not take strike. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 0: Indicates a duck, which would require batting; Kaif did not bat. 15 / 99: No evidence supports these numbers for his first ODI. Common Pitfalls: Confusing 'did not bat' with 'out for zero', or assuming every debut includes a batting entry. Always differentiate between 0 and DNB in cricket notation. Final Answer: DNB

Question 19

Indian Cricket — ODI Debuts and Milestones When did Sourav Ganguly make his One Day International (ODI) debut? Provide the exact date in the format DD Month YYYY.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Cricket history questions test factual recall of dates, venues, and career milestones. This item focuses on Sourav Ganguly's One Day International (ODI) debut, a foundational detail often asked in sports General Knowledge exams and quizzes. Given Data / Assumptions: The player in question is Sourav Ganguly, former India captain. We need the precise ODI debut date. Options list several dates; only one matches the official record. Concept / Approach: The approach is documentary verification: rely on authenticated cricket records (match archives, national board summaries, and long-standing almanac-style references). For GK solving, cross-checking player career timelines (debut vs. first major series) is key. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify Ganguly's earliest ODI appearance in official records.Step 2: Note the date associated with that ODI debut.Step 3: Compare the recorded date with each option provided.Step 4: Select the date that exactly matches the authoritative record. Verification / Alternative check: Cross-reference Ganguly's career narrative: he first appeared in ODIs in early 1992 during the Benson & Hedges World Series in Australia. That series timing aligns with mid-January 1992, confirming the debut as 11 January 1992. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 20 March 1993: By this time Ganguly had already debuted; this date is unrelated to his first ODI. 1 December 1987: Predates his international career; not plausible. 1 June 1998: Much later; by 1998 Ganguly was already an established ODI player. None of the above: Incorrect because one listed date is accurate. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often confuse ODI and Test debuts, or mix up the exact day with the month/year. Some also misremember 1996 (Test debut) as the ODI debut year. Always separate formats and verify series context. Final Answer: 11 January 1992

Question 20

Cricket Stats — Test Career Batting Detail How many fours did Yograj Singh hit across his entire Test career?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks detailed statistical recall: boundary count (fours) in a player's entire Test career. Yograj Singh, known primarily as a pace bowler and the father of Yuvraj Singh, had a brief Test career, making the exact figure non-intuitive and thus a good testing point. Given Data / Assumptions: Player: Yograj Singh (India), format: Test cricket. We must total all fours he hit in Tests. Options: 10, 9, 4, 1, or None of the above. Concept / Approach: Use authoritative aggregates (career summaries) rather than single-scorecards, because the question asks for the career total. For GK exams, knowing that Yograj played only one Test is a strong hint that the boundary count would be very low. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall/verify that Yograj Singh played only one Test match (1980–81 period).Step 2: From career aggregates, note the total number of boundaries (fours) credited to him in Tests.Step 3: Compare the figure with the options provided.Step 4: Select the exact match. Verification / Alternative check: Career summaries consistently list his Test fours as 1. Because he featured in only one Test and batted briefly, a single boundary is consistent with expectations. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 10 and 9: Far too high for a bowler with a single-Test career. 4: Also high given his minimal batting time in Tests. None of the above: Incorrect since the correct value is present among the options. Common Pitfalls: Confusing Yograj Singh with his son Yuvraj Singh, who has a much larger batting record. Another pitfall is assuming multiple Tests or mixing ODI stats with Test stats. Final Answer: 1

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