Abey Kuruvilla turns 52 today.

His entire international career lasted a little over nine months, between March 6 and December 14, 1997.

He took 25 Test wickets at 35.68. Of Indians, only Anil Kumble (30, but at 42.83) got more during this phase.
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He took 25 ODI wickets as well, at 35.60 (4.72). None of his teammates got more than 17.

He should have had a longer run, more so because 9 of his ten Tests were draws on flat tracks.

In the tenth he took 1/88 and 5/68, but India were bowled out for 81.
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Unfortunately, that is not what we remember the man for.

Most of us remember him leaving Dilip Vengsarkar stranded in the 1990-91 Ranji Trophy final, often forgetting that it was his First-Class debut.

He had been summoned by Bombay captain Manjrekar out of nowhere.
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He bowled in the nets at Vengsarkar, Manjrekar, and Tendulkar, all of whom insisted that he should be included in the final. He took 4/128 and 1/40. Perhaps that dismissal can be forgiven, after all.
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PS
Random Kuruvilla trivia. Of all batsmen who have never hit a four, Kuruvilla has hit the most sixes in Test cricket (4). This excludes batsmen for whom data on fours is not available.

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