The unexpected demise of Wasim Raja—he died following a heart attack while a playing club game in England—saw some expected tributes from all quarters. Handsome, graceful, fearless they called him. While some saw him as the odd man out in the Pakistan team. In 1999 Raja quit being Pakistan’s coach as he wanted to be with school children in England and teach geography. While younger brother Rameez has held high-profile positions while being in the thick of things, Wasim till his last day has been in touch with the game at very elementary stage.• Test debut: NZ v Pak — Feb 2-5, 1973• Last Test: NZ v Pak — Jan 25-28, 1985• ODI debut: NZ v Pak — Feb 11, 1973• Last ODI: Ind v Pak — Mar 10, 1985RAJA IN NUMBERS• Raja is 19th in the list of all-time Pakistani run-getters• During Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies in 1977, Raja made 517 runs at 57.44, topping the averages and outperforming the likes of Majid Khan, Asif Iqbal and Zaheer Abbas. In fact, Raja’s average of 57.43 from 11 Tests against West Indies, in fact, surpasses even those of Sunil Gavaskar (53), Graham Gooch (45), Allan Border (39), Mohinder Amarnath (38) and Allan Lamb (34).• In 57 Tests for Pakistan, he made 2,821 runs at 36.16, with four hundreds and a highest score of 125. In the one-dayers, Raja played 54 matches and scored 782 at an average of 22.34 and highest score of 60.• Raja was Pakistan’s one of the most dependable overseas batsman, who scored 1906 runs at an average of 37, in 34 Tests, while playing away from Pakistan. As compared to his overseas record, Raja averaged 32.33 at home and scored five fifties as compared to 13 outside Pakistan.What they say.He was the most gifted cricketer of the 70s. It’s sad to lose such a good man at such a young age. He was very lively and a thorough gentleman — Wasim BariTalent-wise I think Raja was better than Sobers. Raja had a wide range of cricketing shots. He was a brave cricketer, who even scored against the mighty West Indies— Sarfraz NawazHe was one of the most talented cricketers. He had such a wonderful style of batting that he had fans all over the world— Mohsin KhanHe was a genuine all-rounder and always came to the team’s cause. He will be remembered for the way he faced fast bowlers — Intikhab AlamI grew up watching him and loved his style of play. We, as children, flocked to the stadiums to watch batsmen hit bowlers all over the park and for us, he was just that sort— Wasim AkramWe grew together and played our cricket not only as team-mates but also as opponents— Javed MiandadThe news of his death has left me shocked and I would like to express my sincere condolence— Percy SonnI think after the age of 50, one should refrain from playing the game of cricket as sudden sprints, while chasing the ball, can lead to trouble. One has to take care— Dilip VengsarkarBOLLYWOOD CONNECTION(Why even those who’ve got nothing to do with cricket, also remember the late cricketer)In the year 1979, when India was playing against Pakistan in Wankede stadium Bombay, Wasim Raja and Wasim Bari, they were at the crease and Wasim Bari gave the same considertion to Wasim Raja and Wasim Raja told Wasim Bari ‘‘look sir, this ultimately has to end in a consideration which I cannot consider therefore the consideration that you are giving me must be...— Amitabh Bachchan’s famous lines from the movie Namakhalal
