Former India player Madan Lal is celebrating his 73rd birthday today. He was one of the best performers for India in the historic 1983 World Cup campaign. During those times India had a dearth of genuine fast-bowling talents and Madan Lal emerged as a potential option. He paired up with Kapil Dev and Roger Binny to lead the Indian bowling attack in English conditions. He was a tall and lanky speedster who could move the ball both ways. In the final of the 1983 World Cup, he was the highest wicket-taker for India along with Mohinder Amarnath. It was his delivery that got Viv Richards out and that made a major impact on the result of the all-important final.
Madan Lal burst onto the scene in 1974 when he played his debut Test match against England at Manchester. On the same tour, he went on to make his ODI debut as well. Madan Lal soon became one of the prime bowling alternatives for India. However, it was also his batting that made him an integral part of the team. He was a handy batter who could play some crucial knocks in the lower order.
A utility player
Madan Lal was one of the few utility players that India had in those times. He could contribute with both his batting and bowling. In first-class cricket, he would generally be one of the prominent batters for his team. Madan Lal went on to play 39 Test matches and 67 ODIs for India. In the longest format, he did not get as much success as he did in the ODI format. The fast-bowler picked up 71 wickets in Test cricket whereas in ODIs he had 73 wickets in his tally. With the bat, Madan Lal had more than 2800 runs to his name in Test cricket which is reflective of his crucial batting skills. The former India veteran played his last international game in 1987 and eventually hung up his boots in 1991.
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