New Delhi, September 23 (Daily Kiran) : Mohinder Amarnath, a former all-rounder for Team India, is celebrated as one of the nation’s cricketing legends. He played a crucial role in securing India’s first Cricket World Cup victory in 1983.
Born on September 24, 1950, in Punjab, Amarnath inherited a passion for cricket. His father, Lala Amarnath, was the first captain of independent India and a remarkable player himself. This legacy sparked Mohinder’s early interest in the game.
His brother, Surinder Amarnath, also pursued cricket, further inspiring Mohinder to carve his own path in the sport. He made a name for himself in domestic cricket, earning his first opportunity to wear the Indian jersey in 1969. Despite a shaky start on the international stage that led to his initial exclusion from the team, he made a strong comeback through impressive performances in domestic matches.
During the 1970s and 1980s, the West Indies’ bowling attack was considered one of the most formidable. In a Test match against the West Indies in 1983, Amarnath was struck on the jaw by a fast delivery from Malcolm Marshall, leaving his shirt soaked in blood. After receiving six stitches in the hospital, he bravely returned to the field with his jaw bandaged to continue batting.
Amarnath’s contributions were vital in the 1983 World Cup, where he shone in the semi-finals against England, scoring a crucial 46 runs and taking two key wickets, earning him the ‘Man of the Match’ title. In the final against the West Indies, he scored 26 runs under pressure and claimed three wickets for just 12 runs, once again being named ‘Man of the Match’.
Throughout his international career, Mohinder Amarnath played 69 Test matches, amassing 4,378 runs at an average of 42, alongside 32 wickets. In One Day Internationals, he scored 1,924 runs in 85 matches and took 46 wickets.
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