Madan Lal
About
Madan Lal is a former Indian cricketer part of the playing XI squad of Cricket World Cup 1983, and also an accomplished coach. Known for his side-on bowling action, he was a formidable opponent on the field. His cricketing career, spanning from 1974 to 1987, saw him excel as a versatile all-rounder, and his achievements include being an integral part of the Indian team that clinched the 1983 Cricket World Cup and the 1985 World Championship of Cricket. Madan’s impressive statistics in first-class cricket, with 10,204 runs at an average of 42.87 and 625 wickets at an average of 25.50, reflecting his skills both as a batsman and a bowler.
Internationally, Madan Lal represented India in 39 Test matches, where he scored 1,042 runs at an average of 22.65, took 71 wickets at 40.08, and held 15 catches. His tenacity and reliability as a lower-order batsman earned him the nickname ‘Maddad Lal’ from Indian fans.
In the One Day International (ODI) arena, Madan made 67 appearances and was a key player in India's historic 1983 World Cup triumph. His notable performance in the final, including taking three quick wickets that crippled the West Indies batting lineup, was instrumental in India's victory.
At the domestic level, Madan Lal was a stalwart for both Punjab and Delhi. His all-round contributions in the Ranji Trophy, amassing 5,270 runs and taking 351 wickets, were pivotal in many matches, often rescuing his team from precarious situations.
After retiring from active play, Madan Lal transitioned seamlessly into coaching and mentorship roles, maintaining his deep connection with the sport. He coached the UAE team for the 1996 Cricket World Cup and served as India's national cricket coach between September 1996 and September 1997. His coaching career also included a stint with the Delhi Giants (formerly Delhi Jets) in the Indian Cricket League until it became defunct.
He was a member of the Indian selection committee from 2000 to 2001, influencing the selection and development of future Indian cricket stars.
In addition to his coaching and administrative roles, Madan Lal has been actively involved in nurturing young talent through his cricket academy at the Siri Fort Sports Complex in Delhi.
Appointed as the chief coach of the Sanjay Jagdale MPCA Academy in 2010, Madan continues to impart his knowledge and experience to aspiring cricketers, ensuring the future of Indian cricket remains bright.
Awards and accomplishments
Awards and accomplishments
His illustrious career and enduring impact on cricket were celebrated in the 2021 Bollywood film ‘83,’ directed by Kabir Khan, which chronicles India’s first World Cup win. Actor Harrdy Sandhu portrayed Madan Lal, bringing to life his crucial role in the team’s success.
For many years, Madan Lal was one of the leading utility players in India, proving his value with both his courageous middle-order batting and his nippy medium-pace bowling. His performances, such as bowling India to victory over England in Bombay in 1981 and scoring a gallant 74 against Pakistan in Bangalore in 1983, are etched in cricket history.
Why Madan Lal?
As a pivotal member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team and a distinguished coach and selector, Madan’s journey encompasses triumphs on the field and strategic leadership off it. His compelling narrative, from overcoming challenges to achieving glory, resonates with audiences seeking inspiration from sportsmanship, leadership, and perseverance.
