Surinder Chamanlal Khanna, a renowned cricket player from India, was born on October 21, 1956, in Delhi. Known for his ability as a wicketkeeper and a dashing middle-order batsman, Khanna was a crucial player for Delhi and played a pivotal role in their successes during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Khanna’s breakthrough performance came in the Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka in the 1978-79 season. With exceptional centuries in both innings, scoring 111 and 128 runs, he led Delhi to their maiden victory in the national competition. His remarkable season aggregate of 657 runs at an average of 73.00 propelled him into the limelight.
Buoyed by his success, Khanna caught the attention of selectors and was rewarded with the opportunity to represent India. In 1979, when Syed Kirmani was dropped for the England tour, Khanna was given the opportunity to don the gloves for his country. However, his performances were not as successful as expected, and he struggled to make an impact in both the World Cup and Test matches. Ultimately, the Test position went to another debutant, Bharath Reddy.
Despite the initial setback, Khanna remained determined and continued to showcase his talents in domestic cricket. Although his first-class record was not exceptional at the time, with only 41 runs in six games and four innings, Khanna’s swashbuckling style in limited-overs cricket earned him a new chance at the international stage.
In April 1984, Khanna was selected for the Indian team in the Rothmans Asia Cup held in Sharjah. Throughout the tournament, he displayed his prowess with crucial half-centuries against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in low-scoring matches. His outstanding performances helped India secure the Asia Cup, and he was honored with the coveted Man of the Series award, surprising many with his unexpected rise to stardom.
Khanna’s resurgence continued when he participated in the Indian team’s tour of Pakistan in October 1984. He played a key role in both series and domestic cricket, consistently contributing with bat and gloves. His success with Delhi continued, and he retired with an impressive record of 4330 runs in the Ranji Trophy, boasting an outstanding average of 48.65. His highest score of 220 not out against Himachal Pradesh in the 1987-88 season remains a testament to his batting prowess.
Beyond his achievements on the field, Khanna is remembered for his unwavering determination and perseverance. Despite initial setbacks and competition from established players like Kirmani and Reddy, Khanna never let disappointment hinder his passion or love for the game. He remained an influential figure in Indian cricket and showed that with dedication and talent, one can overcome obstacles and become an unexpected star.
Surinder Chamanlal Khanna’s remarkable journey in cricket left an indelible mark on the sport in India, demonstrating that success can come to those who never give up on their dreams.
