SK Girdhari was a genuine allrounder, a right-hand bat and offspinner, whose best performances with the bat came later in his career and with the ball, earlier. He made his debut in 1940-41 and in 1944-45 for Western India he hit his maiden hundred (149) and followed by taking 8 for 60 later in the season. In 1947-48, by now with Kathiawar, he took 8 for 55, his career best, against Gujarat, finishing with match figures of 11 for 84. In 1956-57 he scored 149 and took 7 for 157 for Assam, and in his next match a season later scored a career-best 229. He moved to England in 1960, playing as a professional with Netherfield in the Lancashire Leagues where his allround performance of 112 not out and 9 for 51 against Kendal in 1961 remains a club record.
Martin Williamson