Nanik Amarnath Bharadwaj, more commonly known as Lala Amarnath, was a revolutionary figure in Indian cricket. Born into a poor family in Lahore, which was then part of India, Lala Amarnath rose to prominence through his exceptional batting and bowling skills. He played a pivotal role in India’s cricketing history and left an enduring impact on the game.
Lala Amarnath is best known for scoring India’s first Test century. In his debut Test match, which was also India’s first Test at home, he displayed remarkable skills and resilience against the formidable English attack. With India facing an inevitable defeat, Lala Amarnath played fearlessly, hitting 83 runs in just 78 minutes. His aggressive batting style left the spectators in awe and he went on to score a century in 117 minutes. This iconic innings made him an instant hero in the eyes of the Indian cricket fans, who showered him with praise, garlands, and gifts.
Although Lala Amarnath’s figures in his 24 Test matches were not exceptional, they fail to do justice to his true talent. He possessed a sporadic brilliance that often shined through in crucial moments. Apart from being a prolific batsman, Lala Amarnath also excelled as a bowler. He displayed his bowling prowess in the first post-war Test against England in 1946, where he single-handedly dismissed some of the renowned English batsmen.
However, Lala Amarnath’s career was marred by controversies and conflicts with the cricketing establishment. His clash with the team captain and tour treasurer during the 1936 tour of England led to his sensational removal from the team. This resulted in a twelve-year hiatus between his third and fourth Test matches. Lala Amarnath remained a dominant force in Indian cricket despite the setbacks, consistently showcasing his skills in domestic matches.
His career as a player eventually came to an end, but Lala Amarnath continued to contribute to Indian cricket in various other roles. He became a selector, manager, coach, and broadcaster. Lala Amarnath’s influence extended beyond the cricket field, as his three sons also pursued careers in cricket, with two of them playing in Tests.
Lala Amarnath’s reputation grew with time and he became a beloved figure in Indian cricket. As chairman of selectors, he made bold decisions that led to significant victories for the Indian team. Notably, he insisted on the inclusion of off-spinner Jasu Patel during a series against Australia in 1959-60, which resulted in a historic win.
Throughout his life, Lala Amarnath never hesitated to speak his mind, earning him a reputation for being impetuous and fiercely passionate. Despite facing numerous challenges, he remained a steadfast advocate for Indian cricket and an icon in the eyes of the nation. Lala Amarnath’s contributions to Indian cricket, both on and off the field, will forever be cherished and remembered.
