Lala Amarnath cremated

NEW DELHI, AUG. 6. The mortal remains of Lala Amarnath were consigned to the flames at the Lodhi Road crematorium on Sunday. The former India captain and a legend in his lifetime breathed his last on Saturday.

The pyre was lit by his eldest son, Surinder.

Lalaji's other two sons, Mohinder and Rajinder, along with family friends, large number of sports scribes and a handful of cricketers paid homage to independent India's first captain, who was known for his handsome contribution to Indian cricket.

Wreaths were placed on behalf of the Delhi and District Cricket Association and Delhi Sports Journalists Association. It was shocking that there was no representation from the Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India, Delhi Administration, Indian Railways and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

The absence of leading Delhi cricketers, including those who called up newspaper offices to record their `reactions', and administrators was unfortunate even conceding that Tiger Pataudi, Bishan Singh Bedi, Madan Lal and Chetan Chauhan were out of town. Only three Test cricketers - Col. Surendra Nath, Yashpal Sharma and Gursharan Singh - and five first-class players - Vinay Lamba, Rohit Sahni, Dilbagh Singh, Gyaneshwar Prasad and Sushil Kumar - were seen at the crematorium.

The frail figure of Somnath was a poignant reminder of Lalaji's genuine admirers. Somnath, who worked with Lalaji for more than 15 years, had rushed from Patiala to pay tribute to his mentor. Also present was coach V. Bhatnagar, who, along with Somnath, recalled the days when they played school cricket at the Baradari ground under the guidance of Lalaji.

In the meanwhile condoling his death the Vice- President Krishan Kant said, ``he represented the very best of our sporting tradition and for Indian cricket, he had become an icon. In his death the country has lost an inspirational figure, not only to cricketers but to all sportsmen.''

Ajit Wadekar (former India captain): He brought dynamism into Indian cricket. He had confidence in his abilities and in the Indian team, qualities which made him approach cricket in a positive way. As captain, he had an ability to infuse the same confidence in his players, especially the younger members. He believed in blooding youngsters, believed in their talent and so was always able to boost their confidence and create a positive environment for them.

Sunil Gavaskar: It is really a sad day for cricket because `Lalaji' was India's great cricketer. To some one of my generation, he was an inspirational figure, particularly for the praise he received for his captaincy on the 1947-48 tour of Australia from none other than Don Bradman. It was a great pleasure to meet up with him because he was ready to talk cricket and narrate good stories. He was a brilliant raconteur. He was always entertaining company.

G.S. Ramchand (former India skipper): His death is not only a great loss to Indian cricket but also to world cricket. Those days we played very few Tests and hence Lala could not show his true potential to the world as he was a great all-rounder of that era and if he would have played more matches he would have definitely been one of the best batsmen in the world.

Jagmohan Dalmiya (former president ICC): He was an institution in himself. He had that killer instinct in him which is needed by every cricketer and particularly every captain.

Bishen Singh Bedi: Indian cricket literally took off from his shoulders. He was a volatile, at the same time forceful character who always believed in himself, if anything bordering on over- confidence.

Gundappa Viswanath: I can't forget the tips he gave me during my last season in 1982-83 in Pakistan. I was also mentally down during that period and his words made a lot of difference. Though it was my last tour, I played a couple of innings well after that.``

Errapalli Prasanna: Lala's contribution to cricket is ever lasting. I played one match in Hyderabad under him in the mid 60's and Lala might have been in his mid 50's and believe me, he had such control and command over the game which cannot be put in words. I always used to think how Lala would have been in his younger days.''

Vijay Mehra: I am grieved to hear of Lalaji's death. It was a privilege to play for Railways under him from 1959 to 1963 and for an `Indian Starlets' team that he took to Pakistan in 1960- 61. I learnt a lot from him by just watching him, and always felt that his was the shrewdest cricketing brain. He was very strong in the technical aspects and the reading of the game.

Rajinder Goel: Lalaji was the king of cricket. He was a very hard working person and superbly fit. His knowledge of the game, especially the pitches, was unmatched and he was good at imparting the nuances of the game. Lalaji helped me with my action in the early part of my career. His camps at Chail used to be looked forward to and I learnt quite a lot from him there. We have both played in the same first-class match, when I turned out for Southern Punjab and he was leading Railways, which had players like Nari Contractor and Dattu Phadkar. The year was 1958-59 and he was 47 years of age. Lalaji reduced us to zero for four, showing us how the new ball could be used. Imagine what kind of a player he would have been in his prime ! He was definitely one of the best all-rounders.

Kirti Azad: Lalaji's death is a loss not only to cricket but the entire sports fraternity. I remember meeting as a young trainee and he encouraged me a lot. I have played with all his three sons, it is a great sporting family. Lalaji stood tall among the tallest in sports and it is a sad day for all of us.

Syed Kirmani: It's a great loss. He had a long innings as captain and player. He was a man of discipline and he always had kind words whenever we met. I always counted on his blessings.

N. Shivlal Yadav (former Test cricketer): The death of the grand old man of Indian cricket is a big void which cannot be filled easily. The present generation clearly misses a guiding force.

Keki Tarapore (coach): He was a great all-rounder and good captain. Unfortunately I could not be his contemporary. Its a sad loss for Indian cricket.

Vasant Raiji (cricket historian): He was a versatile personality. A brilliant all-rounder, captain, selector and team manager, he served India well and will be missed hereafter. He played with distinction during the romantic era of Indian cricket. I was one of the lucky few who had the good fortune to watch his Test century against England in 1933, the first by an Indian. I was also at Lord's in 1946 when in one inspired spell of bowling he dismissed Hutton, Compton and Washbrook.

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