Five greatest international cricketers from West Bengal

Arun Lal

Lal may be known to younger audiences for his commentary more than his playing career

Arun Lal was born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, but he played the majority of his cricket in Bengal. He came from a family with cricketing pedigree with his father, uncle and cousin all having performed admirably in the Ranji Trophy. He was not the most gifted of cricketers, but what he had in abundance was an ability to sweat and toil.

Lal played 16 Tests for India between 1982 and 1989 in which he compiled a total of 729 runs at 26.03 with the highest score of 93.

Though his record appears moderate at the international level, he was among one of Bengal’s top-drawer batsmen in the domestic circuit. In his last year of domestic cricket in 1989-90, he helped Bengal lift the Ranji Trophy after 51 years with his most notable contribution being an innings of 189 that stymied Bombay’s progress in the quarterfinals.

Arun Lal has been active as a commentator and column writer for various newspapers since his retirement from the game. His voice commands a great deal of respect in the cricketing fraternity.