Surinder Chamanal Khanna, born on 3rd June in 1965, at Delhi, in India, happened to be a right-hand batsman and wicket keeper. The Ranji Trophy Final held in Bengaluru, against Karnataka in 1978-79, was the turning point in the life of this prolific cricketer. Surinder Khanna achieved a glorious hundred, amounting to 111 and 128, in every innings. This hero of Delhi cricket team attained an optimum score of 657, on an average of 73.00. He was the central force of Delhi`s maiden victory in the national competition.
This man of merit possessed a powerful middle order batting capability. He also excelled as a wicketkeeper. He stood steadfast as the cricket star of Delhi, the main pillar behind the Delhi squad`s success.
Career of Surinder Khanna
Purple patch hit Khanna`s life, very soon. He replaced the famous wicket keeper Syed Kirmani, in the tour of England in 1979. This was indeed a prestigious offer for him, as he was expected to be at par with a veteran cricketer, like Syed Kirmani. Unfortunately, Khanna couldn`t make best use of his innate gifts, in the right moment and in the right place. He took part in all the three World Cup matches, but failed to court success. His scope of featuring in Test cricket was readily transferred in favour of another newcomer, Bharath Reddy.
His performance statistics in the first-class games were not that impressive. His four innings, spanning over six games, yielded only 41 runs. Khanna however, continued to flourish in the circles of domestic cricket. His energetic participation is appropriate for One-Day matches. His career got a new dimension, when he received an invitation from the selection committee to join the Indian team, readying them for the Rothmans Asia Cup at Sharjah in April 1984.
Batting and Fielding Averages
| Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | Ct | St | |
| ODIs | 10 | 10 | 2 | 176 | 56 | 22.00 | 265 | 66.41 | 0 | 2 | 16 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| First-class | 106 | 141 | 18 | 5337 | 220* | 43.39 | 17 | 20 | 182 | 52 | ||||
| List A | 45 | 41 | 4 | 1240 | 112 | 33.51 | 2 | 9 | 36 | 10 |
Bowling Averages
| Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10 | |
| ODIs | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| First-class | 106 | 48 | 51 | 0 | - | - | - | 6.37 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| List A | 45 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
He tasted accomplishment in this particular venture. He landed up with mention worthy half-centuries in less-productive matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. India established sway over the winner`s trophy, while Khanna rested on the laurels of his prosperity, being awarded the "Man of the Series".
He accompanied Team India`s cricket players, in their tour to Pakistan during the same year`s October. Surinder Khanna, conferred upon Delhi the crowning glory and fame. His cumulative score for Delhi, till his retirement, amounted to 4330 runs, fetched at an average of 48.65 in the Ranji Trophy. His towering 220 not out, obtained against Himachal Pradesh in 1987-88, was his topmost score.
Surinder Khanna has functioned as the wicket-keeper in ten One-Day Internationals, for India, ranging from 1979-1984.
Surinder Khanna, a fascinating Delhi cricket talent, who had also tried to serve Indian Cricket with a dedicated service.
