Surinder Amarnath Bhardwaj, known as Surinder Amarnath, is a former Indian cricket player who was born on August 1, 1948, in India. Despite a promising start to his career, Amarnath’s overall figures may appear underwhelming due to the unfortunate treatment he received from the selectors. As the lone classy left-hander in the team during his time, he possessed the potential to excel had he been given consistent opportunities.
Amarnath’s journey in cricket began as a prodigious talent during his school days. Displaying immense potential, he made his debut in Ranji Trophy at the young age of 15. His skills were further highlighted during the 1967 Indian schoolboys tour of England where he left his mark. Continuing to live up to his early promise, Amarnath achieved an outstanding feat by scoring a century on debut in an unofficial Test against Sri Lanka in the 1975-76 season. He followed this up a few months later by repeating the feat on his official Test debut against New Zealand.
Known for his aggressive batting style, Amarnath had a flamboyant approach when in full flow. His strokeplay was a treat to watch as he effortlessly decimated some of the best bowling attacks. During the 1976-77 series against England, he topped the averages, scoring two half centuries in four innings. However, his tour to Australia in 1977-78 was cut short due to an unfortunate injury, resulting in his premature return to India. Despite performing reasonably well during the tour of Pakistan in 1978-79, Amarnath was not considered for the national team again.
Amarnath’s exclusion, despite his remarkable performances in domestic cricket, stirred debate among enthusiasts. In the 1980-81 season, he displayed his batting prowess by hammering an unbeaten 235 runs for Delhi against Rest of India, intensifying the calls for his inclusion in the national team that was due to tour Australia that season. Throughout his career, Amarnath accumulated an impressive total of 4206 runs in the Ranji Trophy at an average of 41.24.
Although his international career did not reach the heights many had anticipated, the talent and potential of Surinder Amarnath cannot be disputed. He provided glimpses of brilliance during his time on the field, showcasing his ability to excel against top-level bowling attacks. His contributions to the game, both internationally and domestically, highlight his proficiency and love for the sport.
Beyond his cricketing exploits, Surinder Amarnath comes from a renowned cricketing family. His father, Lala Amarnath, was an iconic Indian cricketer who had the honor of being the first Indian to score a Test century. His brother, Mohinder Amarnath, also emerged as a prominent figure in Indian cricket. The Amarnath name is synonymous with the sport and has left an enduring legacy in the annals of Indian cricket history.
Today, Surinder Amarnath’s legacy lives on through the impact he made during his cricketing days. Despite the disappointment of unfulfilled potential, his contributions on and off the field remain an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and fans alike.
