Review of a Book: Jimmy's Importance Unveiled
A Fresh Look at Mohinder "Jimmy" Amarnath's Untold Story
If you seldom hear the name Mohinder Amarnath mentioned alongside cricketing greats like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, or India's famed spin quartet, it's possibly due to the spite of Indian cricket's top brass who often overlooked him. In a world where media influence is significant, Amarnath's immense contributions to Indian cricket might have been downplayed.
In his thought-provoking autobiography, #Fearless, co-written with his brother Rajender, Amarnath sheds light on one of India's most misunderstood cricketing heroes. His memoir is a raw, sincere account of a talented player who was often on the receiving end of questionable decisions by the Indian cricket establishment.
His name is synonymous with India's 1983 World Cup victory, where he displayed a steely temperament and led the team from the front. Amarnath's name also comes up in discussions about his impressive performances against fearsome pace attacks and being unceremoniously dropped from the squad despite standout performances.
However, what sets Amarnath's book apart is his revelation of the challenges he faced due to his lineage. Being the son of the great Lala Amarnath often worked against him, indicating a petty attitude by the cricket elders.
Amarnath comes across as honest, refreshing, and steadfast, a voice that speaks truth without malice. He does not shy away from acknowledging injustices meted out to him or naming names.
The book also delves deep into his personal life, offering rare glimpses into his father Lala's struggles and the family dynamics that shaped Amarnath's resilience. These intimate moments bring tenderness to the book's otherwise frank commentary on institutional wrongs.
Fearless is not just a memoir; it is a reflection of a time when courage was required not just on the pitch but off it, against faceless committees and shifting allegiances. Mohinder Amarnath's fight against the system, both on and off the field, is revealed in all its glory in these pages. For lovers of cricket and truth alike, Fearless is a must-read.
Fearless
By Mohinder Amarnath (with Rajender Amarnath)
Harper Sport
pp. 464; Rs 799
Interestingly, Mohinder Amarnath was more than just a versatile athlete. Known for his aggressive batting, useful medium-pace bowling, and energetic fielding, as well as leadership skills, he scored over 3800 Test runs, took 131 wickets, and received prestigious awards like the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri[1]. Notably, he was instrumental in India's historic 1983 World Cup win, earning Man of the Match honors in both the semi-final and final through crucial runs and wickets[3][4].
Despite these sterling performances, Amarnath was often overlooked by Indian cricket's top decision-makers. While explicit reasons are not detailed, several contextual factors can be inferred from his career profile and era:
- Playing Style and Team Dynamics: Amarnath's gritty, all-round contributions sometimes lacked the glamorous spotlight compared to superstar contemporaries, resulting in undervaluation of his role[3].
- Leadership and Selection Politics: Despite being a capable leader, Amarnath's tenure was not characterized by long-term roles, potentially indicating underlying selection biases or administrative preferences[1].
- Changing Team Priorities: Amarnath's career coincided with a highly competitive era, leading to inconsistent selection and less recognition from the "head honchos" despite his proven match-winning ability[1][3].
- Legacy and Recognition Post-Retirement: Although not as celebrated during his playing days, Amarnath's legacy has grown, with his mentoring role and family connection (his son Virender Sehwag becoming a cricket legend) enhancing his stature[1][3].
In summary, Mohinder Amarnath's frequent overlooking by Indian cricket authorities can be attributed to competitive team dynamics, selection politics, and the understated yet crucial role that contrasted with more flamboyant cricketing figures of his time. Nonetheless, his performances, especially in landmark moments like the 1983 World Cup, remain deeply appreciated in Indian cricket history.
Sports played a significant role in Mohinder Amarnath's life, where he demonstrated his versatility as an athlete through aggressive batting, useful medium-pace bowling, and energetic fielding.
Despite his outstanding sports achievements, including over 3800 Test runs, 131 wickets, and prestigious awards like the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri, Mohinder Amarnath often faced overlooked by Indian cricket's top decision-makers in the world of sports.
