The squad for Kabir Khan’s ’83 is almost ready, with Saqib Saleem taking on the role of Mohinder Amarnath in the biopic based on India’s first cricket World Cup triumph in 1983. The actor has been revealed as the latest name in a star cast led by Ranveer Singh, which also includes Tahir Raj Bhasin, Chirag Patil, Ammy Virk, Pankaj Tripathi, Jiiva among others.
Considered by many to be one of the finest batting all-rounders of his time, Mohinder ‘Jimmy’ Amarnath had a key role in the 1983 world championships. It was his batting in the semi-finals, along with a two-wicket haul (which included the wickets of English stalwarts Mike Gatting and David Gower) that made him ‘man of the match’.
He followed it up with a vital stand with Kris Srikkanth, adding 26 runs to India’s low scoring 183 in the final. When it was his turn to bowl, Amarnath turned in figures of 7-0-12-3 in 10 overs, leading to India’s victory over the West Indies.
The performance in the 1983 tournament earned Amarnath a rank among the top 5 Wisden Cricketers of The Year in the Wisden Almanack of 1984. Describing his performance, Wisden said, “He stood firm while the West Indian bowling was at its most hostile and Srikkanth went for his ebullient shots at the other end. Together they shared the highest partnership of the match.Finally, his amiable, almost apologetic medium pace finished off three of the last four wickets for 12 runs.”
Saqib Saleem was last seen in Race 3 (2018), and Dil Juunglee (2018).
Directed by Kabir Khan, ’83 will be released on 10 April 2020.