Playing cricket was a hereditary affair, for Surinder Amarnath. Born on December 30, 1948, in Kanpur, in Uttar Pradesh, Surinder was the son of the first Indian captain, Lala Amarnath, and the younger brother of the illustrious cricketer, Mohinder Amarnath. He has represented India in 10 Tests and 3 One -Day Internationals, throughout his career.

This left-hand batsman, and right-arm medium pace bowler, plunged into the game of cricket, at a very tender age. The school student Surinder was just 15, when he made his first-class Ranji debut. His calibre earned him a place of renown in the 1967, Indian schoolboy`s tour of England. His mettle was verily proved through his glorious hundred, truck in an informal Test against Sri Lanka in 1975-76.

In the official Test debut against New Zealand, in January 1976, he produced a remarkable century, a pretty difficult task for any amateur in international cricket. Surinder, was a dashing batsman, who in proper form could beat away the most dangerous of bowling threats at ease. In the two Tests that he took part in, against England, in 1966-67, he was amongst the leading average-obtainers. He has secured two magnificent half-centuries, in four innings. Unfortunately, this radiant phase was interrupted by an injury that he received, early during the tour of Australia. He had no other options, than to come back home for treatment.

Nevertheless, Surinder Amarnath was not drained off energy. On the occasion of the tour of Pakistan in 1978-79, he fared quite well. He attained an excellent 235 not out for Delhi against the Rest of India, in 1980-81. But, his deeds couldn`t ensure his permanence in the team.

Domestic cricket was the comfort zone, which allowed the skilled Surinder Amarnath, to carve out a niche for him. He has an attractive score record of 4206 runs, reached at an average of 41.24 in the Ranji Trophy.