Cricket in India has not always been as we perceive it to be. In order to bring the game to its current pedestal, a long fight had to be taken. The British brought the game into our country and used it effectively as a part of their divide and rule policy. The struggle of Palwankar Baloo is a testament to this fact.

Palwankar Baloo, the left-arm orthodox spinner who could turn the bow both ways with immaculate accuracy, was probably the greatest Indian cricketer of the early 20th century. But, he was born into a family of leather workers or ‘Chamars’.

There were a lot of prejudices based on caste in cricket during the British rule and it took a lot of work from various activists and cricketers themselves to isolate the game from caste-based discrimination. Baloo made his debut just at this time.

Though his fellow cricketers respected his bowling prowess, they did not consider him as an equal member of their team. He was not allowed to dine with them and during the ‘tea-break’, he was made to stand apart from the rest of the team and his tea was served in a disposable cup.
His lunch was served to him on a separate table and to wash his hands, a fellow dalit would take him to corner of the room and bring water to him. 

Although he was a spectacularly talented bowler, there was much apprehension among the Hindus whether they should select him or not. They would have to break caste practice to let him play. Once broken, Baloo helped the Hindu team beat the British team on more than one occasion.

The 1911 England-India series ended in humiliation for the Indian team, losing 10 out of the 12 matches, but Baloo’s talents shone through.

Baloo returned to India a hero not just for the Indians immersed in the freedom struggle, but also for the depressed classes.

At one particular function, a young college lecturer by the name of B.R. Ambedkar, made his first public appearance and presented the
welcome address for his hero—Palwankar Baloo.