Arun Lal Names A Pakistan Bowler Who Was Unplayable
Arun Lal

Former Indian opening batsman and a veteran in domestic cricket Arun Lal had described in detail how challenging it was to face Imran Khan during his heydays. Pakistan was undoubtedly at their best when Imran Khan was at the helm of leadership and bowled with pure venom and batted as well according to the situation. Arun Lal played for India between 1982-1989 as the right-handed batsman, featuring in 16 Tests and 13 ODIs.

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In an exclusive chat with Sportskeeda, explored the imposing presence of Imran Khan as the captain of Pakistan. Alongside him, the nation also had bowlers like Sarfraz Nawaz and Wasim Bari and by the time Imran retired, he groomed Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, who were equally phenomenal.

The 64-year-old Lal, who’s known for renaissance also said that the 70s and 80s were the most challenging eras for batsmen as potent bowlers kept cropping up.

Imran Khan
Imran Khan. Credit: Twitter

Arun Lal underlined that the ancient era was quite difficult as all the teams brought along excellent bowlers. For him, Imran Khan was the toughest, primarily after the birth of reverse swing. Lal also mentioned the use of ball-tampering when it was not prohibited.

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Nawaz, who is said to have founded the skill of reverse-swing, dismissed claims that it requires ball-tampering to be carried out. During Pakistan’s tour of England in 1992, the likes of Akram, Younis and Aaqib Javed got accused of changing the condition of the ball too due to their dominance with the ball.

“It was very very difficult. That was a different era, the bowling era. All teams had bowlers who were exceptionally good. Imran Khan to me was the toughest, especially after the concept of reverse swing started. They were the first ones to use it, unfortunately, it also came to ball-scruffing, which later became illegal,” the 156-first class veteran conceded.

From ’82 onwards, it was his time: Arun Lal

Arun Lal
Arun Lal (Photo-Twitter)

The Uttar Pradesh-born batsman further said that from 1982, Imran Khan began ruling the cricketing world. He highlighted Imran’s authority, personality, and the ability to lead from the front worked wonders for the team. Pakistan’s Prime Minister retired from the game at the end of 1992 World Cup after playing 88 Tests and 175 ODIs. He scored over 6000 runs and took over 500 wickets.

“Imran Khan to me was the toughest, especially after the concept of reverse swing started. They were the first ones to use it, unfortunately, it also came to ball-scruffing, which later became illegal,” he added.

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