Madan Lal Debut, Biography, Stats, Net Worth, Wife, IPL Team, Records, Career

Madan Lal was never the most flamboyant player on the field. He didn’t arrive with promises; he arrived with performance.

Madan Lal was never the most flamboyant player on the field. He didn’t arrive with promises; he arrived with performance. He bowled medium pace, batted when needed, and was always ready. In a star-studded Indian team, he played the role that held everything together. When the opportunity arose, he didn’t shy away; he stepped up and took responsibility. History remembers him not for his theatrics, but for doing the right thing at the right time.

Early Life and Biography

Madan Lal Udhauram Sharma was born on March 20, 1951, in Amritsar, Punjab. The city was known for its heat, dust, and discipline. He started playing cricket at a young age, but nothing came easily to him. In his youth, he wasn’t considered particularly talented. He learned the game through sheer hard work.

He progressed steadily from school cricket to domestic matches. He bowled long spells and batted fearlessly. He understood the value of patience. Those years shaped him. He learned how to wait for opportunities and how to seize them when they arose.

Domestic and International Debut

Madan Lal made his first-class debut for Punjab in 1968. He was young and inexperienced, but he bowled with heart and dedication. Soon after, he moved to Delhi, where his career flourished. Delhi placed their trust in him, and he repaid that trust by performing well, contributing both wickets and runs for the team.

His Test debut came on June 6, 1974, against England. He didn’t dominate the match, but he made a valuable contribution, which was enough. Shortly after, on July 13, 1974, he made his One Day International debut. The formats were different, but his role remained the same: to support the team, work hard, and be ready whenever needed.

Career

Madan Lal’s international career spanned from 1974 to 1987. He played 39 Tests and 67 One Day Internationals. However, these numbers don’t tell the whole story. His true value emerged in the most challenging moments.

When others rested, he bowled. When the top order failed, he batted. He fielded in close positions. He took responsibility. Captains trusted him because he never complained.

His most memorable moment came in 1983. India was not the favorite. Few gave them a chance. In the final against the West Indies, Madan Lal bowled to Viv Richards. Richards was dangerous. The match was evenly poised. Madan Lal kept bowling. Richards hit a high shot. Kapil Dev ran back. The catch was taken. The game turned around. India won the World Cup.

That delivery has stayed with him ever since.

Biography Details

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Madan Lal Udhouram Sharma
Date of Birth	20 March 1951
Age (as of 2026)	75 years
Birthplace	Amritsar, Punjab, India
Nationality	Indian
Role	All-rounder (bowling all-rounder)
Batting Style	Right-hand bat
Bowling Style	Right-arm medium
Domestic Team	Punjab (1968–1972), Delhi (1973–1991)
International Team	India (1974–1987)
Marital Status	Married (reported)
Wife	Anu Mohan (reported; not listed in main cricket biographies)
Net Worth (estimated)	Approx. USD 8 million (~₹65–₹70 crore) (approx public estimate)

Career Batting Stats, Bowling Stats and Fielding Stats

Right -Handed Batsman

Format	Years Active	Matches	Innings	Not Outs	Runs	Highest Score	Average	50s/100s	4s	6s
Test	1974–1986	39	62	16	1,042	74	22.65	5/0	87	1
ODI	1974–1987	67	35	14	401	53*	19.09	1/0	25	3

Right-arm medium Bowler

Format	Years Active	Matches	Innings Bowled	Balls Delivered	Runs Conceded	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy	Strike Rate	5-Wkts
Test	1974–1986	39	63	5,997	2,846	71	5/23	40.08	2.84	84.46	4
ODI	1974–1987	67	64	3,164	2,137	73	4/20	29.27	4.05	43.34	0

Career Fielding Stats

Format	Years Active	Matches	Catches	Stumpings
Test	1974–1986	39	15	0
ODI	1974–1987	67	18	0

IPL Career and Teams

Madan Lal did not play in the Indian Premier League. His playing era was different. There were no franchises back then. There were no auctions. There was no shorter format of the game.

But later, his voice resonated in the modern game. He remained involved as a coach and commentator. He spoke about discipline. He spoke about balance. His experience stemmed from a time when cricket demanded more patience than power.

Playing Style and Strengths

Madan Lal was a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-pace bowler. His bowling was disciplined. He bowled on the seam. He bowled long spells. He didn’t rely on speed; he relied on control.

In batting, he was reliable in the lower middle order. He didn’t chase glory. He played for the team, building partnerships. He knew when to defend and when to score runs.

In fielding, he was alert. He positioned himself close to the batsman. He took catches. He saved runs. His strength was his understanding. He understood the game situation.

His greatest quality was reliability. Teams trusted him because he never shied away from responsibility.

Records and Achievements

Madan Lal was part of India’s greatest cricketing achievement. The 1983 World Cup changed Indian cricket forever, and his role in that tournament was crucial. He took vital wickets and bowled with courage and determination.

In Test cricket, he scored over 1,000 runs and took 71 wickets. In One Day Internationals, he claimed 73 wickets. These were impressive statistics, reflecting his reliability and consistency.

In domestic cricket, his record was even more remarkable: over 10,000 first-class runs and more than 600 wickets. These numbers were the result of consistent high-level performance over many seasons.

Awards came later; respect came first.

Net Worth and Earnings

Madan Lal played cricket during a time when money was scarce. Match fees were low, and endorsements were few and far between. Yet, his career didn’t end after he retired from playing.

He worked as a coach, became a commentator, and was also involved in cricket administration. Over time, his earnings increased.

His estimated net worth is approximately $8 million. This wealth came from years of hard work and consistent effort, not from becoming rich overnight.

Personal Life

Madan Lal is married to Anu Mohan, and he keeps his personal life private. His wife has stayed away from the limelight. His family has remained separate from the world of sports.

He speaks proudly about maintaining this balance. Cricket gave him recognition, and his family kept him grounded. He never mixed the two.
Even today, he chooses dignity over seeking attention.

Conclusion

Madan Lal was never in the spotlight. He was the crucial link that held everything together. Indian cricket needed people like him to move forward. He showed that courage doesn’t always have to be flamboyant.

One ball bowled to Viv Richards changed his place in history. But his career was built on years of quiet, hard work before that moment.

He belonged to an era when teams were built on trust. And he earned that trust every time he stepped onto the field.

FAQs: Questions And Answers

Q1. When was Madan Lal born?

Madan Lal was born on March 20, 1951.

At that time, spring was beginning in Amritsar.

Q2. Where was Madan Lal born?

He was born in Amritsar, Punjab, India.

A vibrant and resilient city. A place that teaches endurance.

Q3. When did Madan Lal make his international debut?

He made his Test debut against England on June 6, 1974.

Q4. Who is Madan Lal’s spouse?

He is married to Anu Mohan. His wife stays away from the limelight.

Q5. What record is Madan Lal best known for?

He is best remembered for dismissing Viv Richards in the 1983 World Cup final.

One ball. One unforgettable moment. A nation transformed.