One of Indian cricket's most colourful characters
Today is Lala Amarnath's birth centenary
Akhila Ranganna
25-Feb-2013
Today is Lala Amarnath's birth centenary. Vijay Lokpallay pays tribute to to the man who made a century on debut - which was also India's first century in Tests. More from the Hindu.
Lalaji was known for his temper as much for his discipline. He was sent back, ironically on disciplinary grounds, from the 1936 tour to England but Don Bradman viewed Lalaji thus: “I found Amarnath charming in every respect. He was such a splendid ambassador that it makes it all the more difficult to understand his recent suspension by the Indian Board. He certainly believed in speaking his mind.”
Another tribute in the DNA states that if ever there was a man in Indian cricket who was his own master, it was the majestic Lala — both on and off the field. In the same newspaper, Lala Amarnath's son Mohinder Amarnath says that his father was always independent in his thinking. And among the current cricketers, it was Rahul Dravid whom Lala admired.
Akhila Ranganna is assistant editor (Audio) at ESPNcricinfo