Lala Amarnath

Name Hindi: लाला अमरनाथ / Gender Man

Lala Amarnath: The Prominent Cricketer from India

Lala Amarnath, officially known as Nanik Amarnath Bhardwaj, was the first Indian cricketer to score a test century for his country. He secured an unforgettable place in the history of cricket with his extraordinary skill and adept performance in both batting and bowling aspects of the game.

Early Life and Entry into Cricket

Amarnath was born on September 11, 1911 in Lahore (now part of Pakistan). He developed a keen interest in cricket during his school years and gained recognition when he performed impressively in the Punjab University tournament at the age of seventeen. His smooth transition into domestic cricket marked the beginning of illustrious innings that lasted three decades.

Achievements and Career Highlights

• First Test Century: Lala etched his name indelibly onto the annals of international cricket by hitting a century in his debut match against England at Bombay Gymkhana in December 1933 – becoming the first ever Indian cricketer to achieve this feat.
• Captaincy: The acme point of Amarnath’s career came when he was appointed captain of the Indian team during India’s tour to Australia in 1947-48. Under his leadership, India made significant strides towards becoming a competitive side on the global scale.
• All-Rounder Performance: Due to his capability in playing multiple roles efficiently, Lala is fondly remembered as one among India’s finest all-rounders throughout history. He scored over 10,000 runs and claimed almost 500 wickets in various formats throughout his cricketing journey.
• Post-retirement Involvement: After his retirement from active cricket, Amarnath took up administrative roles serving as a selector and occasional manager for the Indian team. He also served diligently as Chairman of the BCCI’s All-India Junior Selection Committee.

Lala Amarnath: A Blend of Grit, Grace, and Glory

Besides his test career, Lala portrayed an enduring performance in domestic cricket where he played 184 matches scoring over 11800 runs with 31 centuries and taking 463 wickets. His significant contribution to shaping India’s early days in international cricket has made him one of the legendary figures not just within boundaries but globally too. He left behind an unmatched legacy which would be remembered every time someone mentions Indian Cricket History.

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