India’s 1984 Asia Cup hero urged captain Sunny to give Chetan Sharma one more over after which the young pacer dismissed the dangerous Duleep Mendis
Surinder Khanna in action during the 1984 Asia Cup in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. PIC/Getty Images
INDIA’s 1984 inaugural Asia Cup hero — wicketkeeper-batsman Surinder Khanna — lost his place in the Indian team after the 1979 ODI World Cup in England. However, he made a significant comeback to play a role in India's 1984 Asia Cup triumph.
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Khanna, 67, who scored two match-winning performances—51 against Sri Lanka and 56 against Pakistan in Sharjah—called it a special feat.
Another edition of the Asia Cup starts at Multan in Pakistan on August 30. India play their opening game against Pakistan at Pallekele in Sri Lanka on September 2.
Back to 1984. “It’s a team sport, but when your performances help the team win, those wins become special. It feels good that we did well for our country," Khanna told mid-day.com from Delhi.
"That [Sharjah] was unknown territory and we didn’t know about pitch conditions. Those pitches were bowler-friendly. The ball swung a lot and spinners had an advantage too, so it was a real challenge for batsmen. And in terms of support, Pakistan always got that from the stands,” remarked Khanna, who was rewarded with man-of-the-match in both matches, man-of-the-tournament, best batsman and best wicketkeeper of the tournament.
Surinder Khanna. Pic/Khanna’s personal collection
Khanna also revealed how he helped skipper Sunil Gavaskar get rid of dangerous Lankan captain Duleep Mendis cheaply.
“Chetan Sharma completed a five-over spell and Sunny bhai brought on Roger Binny. Roger marked his run-up, but just as he was about to bowl his first ball, I told Sandy [Sandeep Patil, who was standing at first slip] to tell Sunny bhai to give Chetan one more over.
I felt Chetan was quick and in good rhythm to bowl to Mendis, who could be dangerous when settled. Sandy said it’s a good suggestion, but I should offer it myself to Sunny bhai. I was hesitant because I was making a comeback, but somehow I told him and he got Chetan to bowl that one over. Off the third ball, Sandy held on to a catch offered by Mendis. Sunny bhai acknowledged me by saying, ‘well done Khannaji, great suggestion,’ “ Khanna recalled.
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