Arun Lal

Arun Lal is a former Indian cricket player who is currently serving as a commentator in the international and domestic cricket matches. Arun Lal was born on 1 August 1955 in the city of Moradabad. Arun is an alumnus of Ajmer’s Mayo College. Arun Lal began his career by representing Delhi team at the Ranji Trophy, India’s domestic cricket tournament. Lal performed well by scoring runs on a regular basis. Due to his stellar performance, the selectors opted to choose him for a test match series against Sri Lanka.

Although Arun made his debut at the age of 27 which people consider it as late, he grabbed the opportunity with full hands as he scored 63 runs in his first innings. Arun was a part of the squad which faced Imran Khan-led Pakistan. However, Arun could not replicate his heroics when the experienced players fell prey to the Pakistani bowlers. Eventually, Arun lost his place in the team. In 1981, Arun decided to play for Bengal instead of Delhi in the Ranji Trophy.

In 1986, Arun got a double century each in the Ranji and Duleep Trophy matches which gothim a place in the Indian team to play against the visiting Pakistani team. With Sunil Gavaskar’s refusal to play at the Eden Gardens, Arun turned up as his replacement and impressed everyone by scoring half centuries. After Sunil Gavaskar had announced his retirement from the game, Arun became a regular in the team. But Arun was not consistent enough to hold his place as he played his final Test against the West Indies in 1989. His Test score of 93 remains his best in the unlimited overs career.

Unlike his Test career, Arun’s ODI stint was a disaster. Lal featured in 13 One Day International matches where he averaged over 9.36. Lal continued to appear in the Ranji Trophy where his score of 189 was instrumental in defeating Mumbai in the quarter-final. Later, Bengal would go on to win the cup after 51 years. In the iconic song Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, Arun was a part of the video which featured prominent personalities from all walks of life. In the clip, Arun has represented West Bengal where he is a passenger in the Kolkata Metro. Since 2000, Arun has taken up the job of a commentator.

Viewers often listen to his voice in the India-based matches. In 2016, newspapers revealed that Arun Lal was a jaw cancer patient and undergone a rehabilitation program at a Kolkata hospital. After the operation, Arun thanked God and his fans for their continued support and wishes for his good health. Arun is married to Debjani. Apparently, Arun covered the educational expenses of a laundryman’s son Bikash Chowdhury. His wife Debjani would help Bikash to learn English. Currently, Bikash is working in JSW Steel Company. Bikash has gifted the couple a luxury car and remains grateful to Arun and Debjani Lal. In fact, the name of Bikash’s daughter is Arunima, a tribute to the former cricketer