Former Worcestershire captain Vikram Solanki will be remembered as one of the most elegant batters to represent the County – but he also achieved a remarkable feat between 2006 and 2009.
A double century is a rarity to be cherished for many players but Solanki clocked up that milestone for FOUR successive seasons in the County Championship.
All four of his double tons came while he was captain at New Road and occupying the number three role and his efforts in those quartet of knocks helped Worcestershire achieve some record-breaking performances.
Solanki, currently Director Of Cricket with IPL franchise Gujarat Titans, registered the first of the four 200s in 2006 against Gloucestershire at Bristol.
He put on 345 for the fifth wicket with keeper-batter Steven Davies (192) in a total of 587-8 and struck two sixes and 28 fours in his 295 ball innings.
The following season Solanki was part of history in helping Worcestershire amass 701-6 against Surrey at New Road – their highest score in first class cricket.
Solanki scored at a rapid rate, his 232 coming from 247 deliveries, and including seven sixes and 25 fours, after openers Phil Jaques (124) and Stephen Moore put on 234.
Surrey were then bowled out for 370 and looked set for defeat but England batter Mark Butcher came in at number eight to defy a knee injury and score 29 not out off 142 balls.
Last man Matt Nicholson then dug in for 67 balls as Surrey escaped with a draw on 281-9.
In 2008, Solanki was again part of a record score when making 270 against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham.
He faced only 253 balls and struck 48 fours in an innings lasting nine hours, 20 minutes and Worcestershire’s total of 672-7 declared was the highest by any county on the ground.
It was also the third highest in Worcestershire’s history after the record score against Surrey the year below and then 696-8 against Somerset at New Road in 2005.
Solanki put on 316 for the second wicket with Moore (129) and Worcestershire dismissed the hosts for 283 and 247 to win by an innings and 142 runs.
The next season Solanki batted even longer, a total of 576 minutes in making 206 not out from 326 balls against Yorkshire at Headingley.
He hit two sixes and 23 fours and was largely responsible for Worcestershire earning a draw in a rain-hit fixture with a total of 405-3 in reply to Yorkshire’s 460-6 declared.
Moeen Ali (153) partnered Solanki in a third wicket stand of 317 after they joined forces at 39-2.
Solanki played first team cricket for Worcestershire from 1995-2012 before ending his career at Surrey and then having a spell as Head Coach at The Oval.
