He was regarded one of the better players of fast bowling in the 1970s and 1980s. His technique against the rising delivery was a study as was his temperament and the ability to grind it out. In a career spanning 69 Tests, Mohinder Amarnath scored 4,378 runs, including 11 hundreds, at an average of 42.5. He was also a key player in India's historic World Cup triumph in 1983.
Currently on a break from work and cricket, 'Jimmy' was in Mohali to witness the second Test between India and New Zealand.
As India prepares for a daunting tour of Australia, where Amarnath played eight Tests and scored 668 runs, including two hundreds and three half-centuries, at an impressive average of 55.66, he spoke at length with Faisal Shariff. Excerpts:
Do you think the art of batting in Tests has changed with the advent of one-dayers?
The art of batting in Tests has changed. With more than 40 one-dayers in a year, the players are bound to play more strokes and play faster. It reflects on their technique and scores. But all good players play according to the situation and adapt well.
Look at Rahul Dravid, for instance; he adapts himself well to both versions of the game. Sourav Ganguly is equally good in both forms of the game. It is not difficult; just a matter of proper scheduling of the one-day games.
We should decide that only 'X' number of games will be played. I don't agree with the sudden scheduling of tournaments in break periods.
Do you think it is unfair to criticise the wickets for the falling standards in domestic cricket?
Domestic series are very important for foreign players. That is not the case in India. I have seen that during state games many Indian players take a break. That does not help the game nor [does it] improve the standard of the game.
Do you agree with the Board of Control for Cricket in India banning all one-day cricket for under-17 players?
Not really. They should play both. Maybe ODIs [One-Day Internationals] can be minimized. For example, the inter-university matches were earlier three- or five-day games, but now are just 40-50-over games. That provides lesser opportunities to prove yourself.
In India eventually it is the wickets and runs that decide your contribution to the side. In ODIs, the top guys will do the job and win the laurels, while the middle-order guys will get limited opportunities. It needs to be balanced.
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It's a myth that Indians don't play fast bowling well. If you can live up to your own standards, your own mind, and hone your ability, then you can play any delivery.
There are certain things that you learn as a youngster playing in the parks, the gullies and the streets. These things help you in the long run. If you can play it at that time, you can play rising deliveries anywhere against anyone.
Before you play fast bowling you have to plan how you will play the ball. Adjust yourself; look at the shots that can get you out, and do not play those.
What would you advise the Indian team preparing for a daunting tour of Australia?
Just be positive; that's all. The more you withdraw into a shell the more the chances that you will lose. I don't think this New Zealand series will matter. This form does not count. The conditions and wickets will be completely different. The Indians must quickly get used to the nature of the wickets. It normally takes time to adjust to the wickets there. The planning has to be very good. It is important that the Indians play within their limitations. It takes time to acclimatize to conditions in England and Australia. But to remain positive despite all the pressures and initial disappointments is important.
Have we forgotten the art of winning at home?
I don't think so. We just need to prepare good wickets with more bounce. When we prepare wickets for spinners, we notice that somehow the spinners are not taking the wickets. We go with three bowlers sometimes; sometimes with four bowlers. We need to decide what we want to go with. We must concentrate either on pace or spin. You cannot compromise on that. If spin is what we think is our strength then we should go with it.
You have played some of the greatest fast bowlers and quality spinners in your days. Don't you think there is a lack of quality bowlers on the world circuit today?
Let us not forget that these are young guys with only a couple of seasons in their pocket. Don't expect them to perform immediately. Give them time. It takes time to come out as a great fast bowler or spinner. You need good wickets to make a great spinner or a great fast bowler. If the wickets and conditions are good then we will see another crop of great bowlers come through.
It is difficult to compare eras. Things change over time; it is not fair to compare eras.
There has always been great concern amongst former cricketers about choosing a foreign coach. What do you think? Would you like to coach the Indian team?
India has produced great players. I don't believe that it is important to take overseas coaches. You must stick with your own players. Coaching alone is not everything; culture is also something you have to think about. Understanding the culture and nature of each player. Winning at home is important, but winning overseas is what counts. I have played cricket and done a fair bit of coaching. I know what it takes to coach a side. If offered, why not?
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