Biography

Madan Lal Udhouram Sharma or simply Madan Lal was a nifty middle order batsman and medium pace bowler who played for the country from 1974 to 1987. Handy with the ball and bat, he helped India win many a match and featured in two World Cups. He came to prominence especially because of his exploits in first class cricket, where he has over 10,000 runs and 600 wickets. He played for Punjab from 1968 to 1972 and then for Delhi from 1972 to 1989.

Once he began playing for the country, he was nicknamed ‘Maddat Lal’ because of his ability to get his team out of sticky and near impossible situations. He was an extremely important member of the World Cup winning squad of 1983 where he played a major role in the run to the finals and ultimately the win. In the finals itself, he took three quick wickets to break the spine of the formidable Caribbean giants and swung the match in India's favour after his side were bowled out for a fairly cheap score.

Madan Lal hung up his boots in March 1987. Following his retirement, he continued to be actively involved in the cricket circuit and also began a political career. Between September 1996 to 1997, he had a stint as the India's National Cricket Coach and was a member of the selection committee as well in 2000 and 2001.