Nari Contractor undergoes surgery; gets the titanium plate removed from the head after 60 years

Former Indian cricketer, Nari Contractor, underwent surgery to get the titanium plate removed from his head, which was inserted 60 years ago. The 88-year was struck on the head by a bouncer during India's tour of the West Indies in 1962. Charlie Griffith bowled the bouncer in an attempt to get him out.

The contractor had to undergo many surgeries after being severely injured by Griffith's bouncer. In 1962, a titanium plate was inserted during a surgery performed by Dr. Chandy, a well-known neurosurgeon at the time, at the Christian Medical College in Vellore, Tamil Nadu.

The former Indian cricketer was hospitalized at Mumbai's Reliance Foundation Hospital on Tuesday and had underwent surgery on Wednesday. Everything is fine, Hoshedar, Contractor's son, informed the Times of India following the operation, which was conducted by Dr. Harshad Parekh and Dr. Anil Tibrewala.

60 years ago a metal plate was inserted in the head of Nari Contractor after he was hit by a bouncer from Charlie Griffith The plate was removed today in a pvt hospital
Get well soon Naribhai
Picture courtesy former Bombay fast bowler Hoshedar Contractor son of 88 yr old Naribhai pic.twitter.com/59JHmkQwRn

— Makarand Waingankar (@wmakarand) April 6, 2022

He was hit in the head by Griffith on the 17th of March 1962 in a game against Barbados. His international career came to a standstill after the injury. However, he was encouraged by Dr. Chady to continue playing first-class cricket. He made a comeback in the 162-63 season and continued playing till the 1970-71 season.

The left-handed opener played 138 first-class games in his career. He played 31 games for the Indian team between 1955 and 1962. He is also remembered for scoring 81 against England at Lord's in 1959, despite having broken ribs off Brian Statham's bowling.