Book Review
Autobiography
Fearless
Authored by Mohinder “Jimmy” Amarnath
Reviewed by Ram Narayanan
Reviewed by Ram Narayanan
The 1980s were a golden era for Indian cricket, etched into memory for countless fans and cricket-crazy school kids like me. One iconic moment stands out: the Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 25, 1983, when Mohinder “Jimmy” Amarnath trapped Michael Holding leg-before-wicket to seal India’s historic World Cup victory. That triumph was a watershed moment in Indian cricket history, transforming the nation into the cricketing powerhouse it is today.
Amarnath’s contributions to that win were nothing short of extraordinary. He was named Player of the Match in both the semifinal and final—a rare feat in Cricket World Cup history, matched only by Shane Warne in 1999. Known as the “Comeback King,” Amarnath’s career is a testament to his resilience and determination.
One of the defining phases of his career was the 1982–83 season when he scored over 1,000 runs against Pakistan and the West Indies—on their home soil. Battling some of the most fearsome fast bowlers of the era, including Imran Khan, Sarfraz Nawaz, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, and Joel Garner, Amarnath’s grit and skill shone through. His fearless attitude extended beyond the pitch, famously calling Indian selectors a “bunch of jokers” after being dropped—an episode that further cemented his legendary status.
In Fearless, Amarnath takes readers back to his formative years, growing up under the guidance of his father, the illustrious Lala Amarnath, alongside his cricketer brother, Surinder Amarnath. The book reveals how their father’s rigorous training—like making them face short balls with wet tennis balls—helped Jimmy master the hook shot, a vital weapon against fast bowlers.
Amarnath’s contributions to that win were nothing short of extraordinary. He was named Player of the Match in both the semifinal and final—a rare feat in Cricket World Cup history, matched only by Shane Warne in 1999. Known as the “Comeback King,” Amarnath’s career is a testament to his resilience and determination.
One of the defining phases of his career was the 1982–83 season when he scored over 1,000 runs against Pakistan and the West Indies—on their home soil. Battling some of the most fearsome fast bowlers of the era, including Imran Khan, Sarfraz Nawaz, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, and Joel Garner, Amarnath’s grit and skill shone through. His fearless attitude extended beyond the pitch, famously calling Indian selectors a “bunch of jokers” after being dropped—an episode that further cemented his legendary status.
In Fearless, Amarnath takes readers back to his formative years, growing up under the guidance of his father, the illustrious Lala Amarnath, alongside his cricketer brother, Surinder Amarnath. The book reveals how their father’s rigorous training—like making them face short balls with wet tennis balls—helped Jimmy master the hook shot, a vital weapon against fast bowlers.
While the book offers rich insights into Amarnath’s life and career, it does have a few drawbacks. In some instances, Amarnath avoids naming individuals, instead referring to incidents in third person, possibly to avoid controversy. This approach diminishes some of the book’s potential intrigue. Additionally, at 400 pages, the book feels a bit too long and could have been more concise at around 250 pages.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Fearless is a must-read for cricket enthusiasts. It pays fitting tribute to Jimmy Amarnath, a legend of Indian cricket whose indomitable spirit and achievements continue to inspire generations.
