Former Indian batsman Mohinder Amarnath celebrates his 69th birthday on Tuesday. Born on September 24, 1950, the right-handed batsman is regarded as one of the best cricketers produced by India. Amarnath started his career as a medium-pacer and went on to become one of the finest batsmen of his generation. The batsman was known to be a gutsy cricketer as he played some magnificent innings against the mighty West Indies and Australian bowling line-ups. Amarnath was also a vital cog in India's 1983 World Cup squad and played a crucial role in guiding India to the title. Amarnath has featured in 69 Tests and scored 4378 runs which include 11 centuries. In ODIs, the batsman amassed 1924 runs in 85 matches which includes two tons. As a bowler, Amarnath has 32 and 46 wickets in Tests and ODIs respectively. After Kapil Dev, 'Jimmy' Aka Mohinder Amarnath Joins Ranveer Singh's '83 Team in Dharamshala - View Pics.
Amarnath's journey was filled with many ups and downs but he sustained his career for almost two decades. The player made his debut in 1969 as the seam-bowling all-rounder but was dropped immediately after the series. Amarnath didn't get any chance for the next six years but made an impeccable come back in 1975 as a top-order batsman. Since then, the batsman never looked back and played one magnificent innings after another. The right-handed batsman was known to have "magical" wrists and great temperament as he used to play express fast-bowling with ease. Amarnath didn't gave-up bowling and also guided India to several victories with the cherry in hand. So, as the former Indian great celebrates his 69th birthday, let's focus on some interesting about the cricketer.
- Amarnath has cricket running in veins as his father Lala Amarnath was India's first captain post Independence. His brothers Surinder Amarnath was a Test cricketer and Rajinder Amarnath a first-class cricketer.
- The right-handed batsman was called by nickname "Jimmy" by his family and friends.
- The cricketer delivered some great all-round performance in the 1983 World Cup was the Man of the Match in the semi-finals and final of the tournament.
- In the semi-final match against England, Amarnath took two wickets with the ball and restricted the hosts to 213 runs. The player shone with the bat too and scored 46 while chasing in order to guide India to a comfortable six-wicket victory.
- In the final clash against West Indies, Amarnath bowled a brilliant spell and rattled the Carribean batsman. Defending a mere 183 runs, the all-rounder picked up three wickets and guided India to a 43-run victory and the title.
- The batsman was superstitious as he used to carry a red handkerchief while going to bat.
- Amarnath is the only Indian to be dismissed for handling the ball and also the only Indian to be dismissed for obstructing the field in ODIs.
- In 1989, Amarnath infamously called the selectors "A bunch of jokers." Ironically, the former batsman went on to become one in 2011.
Amarnath might not have peerless numbers as someone like Sunil Gavaskar or Sachin Tendulkar but his impact on the cricket field was beyond statistics. Post Amaranth's retirement, India produced many great batsmen like Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly but no fact could defy Jimmy's massive contribution towards Indian Cricket.