Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji

1905–1959

One of the few Clare alumni to have played cricket for England, Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji was talent spotted while still a schoolboy at Cheltenham College. Observing him play, the future MCC president HS Altham described Duleepsinhji as being in ‘a different class from the ordinary school batsman’.  

After moving to Britain from Sarodar, India, in 1921, Duleepsinhji matriculated at Clare in 1925. A gifted batsman, he gained his cricket blue by playing in the Varsity match in his first year. He had already made his debut for Sussex in 1924. 

Later in his career Duleepsinhji played for Northamptonshire, in 1930 hitting 330 runs in a single innings – a record that remained unbroken for over seven decades. His achievement earned him the captaincy of his county side. Greater honours were also forthcoming. He was selected for the England team in 1929, and made his debut in the 1930 test against Australia. His test batting average was 58.5. 

Unfortunately, Duleepsinhji was forced to retire in 1933 due to ill health, having competed in just eight seasons. He returned to India, where he was appointed chairman of the All-India Sports Council. After his death in 1959, the Duleep Trophy was named in his honour.