A masterstroke or insanity? When legendary Lala Amarnath made the 12th man bat in inaugural Irani Cup match in 1960 | Cricket Information – Occasions of India

Within the annals of Indian cricket historical past, one of the outstanding episodes includes the legendary Lala Amarnath and the first-ever Irani Cup match held approach again in 1960.
Lala, a cricketer recognized for his fierce willpower and sharp thoughts, had lengthy retired from lively cricket by then, however his presence loomed giant over the cricket scene in India as he was the chairman of the nationwide choice committee.
The Irani Cup, named after the late ZR Irani, was launched to place the reigning Ranji Trophy champions in opposition to a Remainder of India staff. It was throughout this inaugural match that Lala’s audacious choice made headlines.
The match was performed at Delhi’s Karnail Singh stadium, also referred to as Railway stadium, from 18-20 March 1960.
Lala, who had the excellence of scoring the primary century for India in his debut Check, was main the Remainder of India staff and cricketer Polly Umrigar was the captain of the Bombay staff.
In a rare transfer that shocked everybody, Amarnath determined to ship in a participant who was not initially within the batting lineup — the 12th man.
Throughout the match, each Lala and the umpires disregarded the foundations of cricket. When Lala sustained an damage, he instructed Prem Bhatia, who was designated because the 12th man for the Remainder of India staff, to bat in his place.
The 12th man Bhatia was allowed to bat in each innings — at No. 9 within the first innings and at No. three in second innings — of the primary Irani Cup. Bhatia scored 22 and 50 within the sport.
The incident stays a testomony to Lala’s audacity however who would have recognized then that after a few years later the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) would provide you with a substitute rule the place a participant who was not initially named within the XI can come out to bat/bowl.
Lala, a outstanding determine in Indian cricket historical past, held the excellence of being the primary Indian to steer the nationwide staff in ten consecutive Check matches. Throughout his tenure as captain, which spanned 15 Exams, Amarnath achieved a big milestone for Indian cricket.
Below Amarnath’s management, India secured their maiden Check victory in opposition to their arch-rivals, Pakistan. This groundbreaking match came about on the Feroz Shah Kotla floor in Delhi in October 1952.
India’s efficiency was nothing wanting dominant, as they comprehensively defeated Pakistan by an innings and 70 runs, asserting their superiority on the cricket discipline.



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