Mohinder Amarnath, the legendary cricketer who played a pivotal role in India’s historic 1983 World Cup victory, turns 74 today. His journey has been marked by both triumph and controversy, with his outspoken nature often making headlines.
Amarnath’s contribution to India’s maiden World Cup triumph cannot be overstated. In the semifinal against England, he took two wickets and scored a crucial 46 runs. In the final against West Indies, he scored 26 runs and bowled a match-winning spell of 3/12, helping India secure a historic 43-run victory.
However, Amarnath’s career was not without its setbacks. In 1988, he was dropped from the Indian team for the home Test series against New Zealand, a decision that sparked a public outcry. Amarnath’s response was equally explosive, as he famously called the selectors “a bunch of jokers.”
The tension between Amarnath and former BCCI president Raj Singh Dungarpur, who was also the chairman of selectors, was a significant episode in Indian cricket during the late 1980s. Amarnath’s criticism of the selection process and his strong personality often clashed with Dungarpur’s authority.
Despite his controversial exclusion from the team, Amarnath remained a respected figure in Indian cricket. His outstanding performances on the field, particularly during India’s 1983 World Cup win, earned him a place in the hearts of cricket fans.
Known as “Jimmy,” Amarnath is the son of Lala Amarnath, the first post-independence Indian captain of India. He played 69 Tests, scoring 4,378 runs with 11 hundreds and 24 fifties, and also claimed 32 wickets. He also played 85 ODIs for India.
Amarnath’s legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. His outspoken nature and willingness to challenge authority made him a symbol of transparency and accountability in Indian cricket. His famous “bunch of jokers” remark remains a reminder of the murky nature of selections during that era.
