‘World’s best opening batter till date’ – Fans send wishes as legendary former Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar turns 74
Regarded as one of the best opening batters of all time and a former Indian captain, Sunil Gavaskar turned 74 on Monday. He was one of the torch-bearers of Indian cricket right from Day 1 as he kickstarted his career with a wonderful debut series in 1971, scoring staggering 774 runs against the mighty West Indies of that time. The “little master” played a pivotal role in the West Indies tour and the England tour that followed. Gavaskar was an important member of the 1983 World Cup-winning side as well.
Gavaskar once held the record for scoring the most hundreds in Test cricket. When it came to the red ball format, he scored 10122 runs from 1971 to 1987. The right-hander had an average of 51.12 and also struck 51 half-centuries and 34 centuries in his glorious career. He played 125 Test matches for the national side. Gavaskar against the West Indies was a different beast altogether, in 13 Tests that he played against them, he smashed 27 hundreds.
Sunil Gavaskar led India to a victorious World Championship of Cricket in 1985
Gavaskar was a Mumbaikar who developed the ethos of hard work and discipline at an early age. When it came to fielding, he was one of the safest when it came to taking catches. Wicketkeepers not included; he became the first Indian fielder to achieve the milestone of 100 catches in Test cricket. He pouched 108 catches in his Test career. Gavaskar was known for astute captaincy skills as well. He led India to a glorious triumph in the World Championship of Cricket. in 1985.
After he retired from cricket, he took up the mic and continues to be one of the most sought-after broadcasters. Gavaskar has always been very vocal about Indian cricket with his opinions and has made sure he puts his points across when he wants to say something. Gavaskar also donned the hat of an advisor for the Indian Cricket Team in the home series against Australia in 2004.
Gavaskar also dabbled in Indian Administration albeit for a short while, On 28 March 2014, he was appointed as Interim President of the Indian Cricket Board. His primary duty was to oversee the seventh season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the film 83 Actor Tahir Raj Bhasin portrayed the role of Gavaskar.
Let us take a look at the reactions on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/cashkumark/status/1678257957484773376?s=20
Happy birthday, Sunil Gavaskar.
In the Sunny vs Vishy debates of the 70s, I was always Team Vishy. 🙂
But I knew, deep down, Sunny was the more solid batter.
Early 2000s, I even wrote a long blogpost on him.
On what he meant to me as a cricket-crazy schoolboy.
Lots of memories.— Raja راجہ – awaaz do, hum ek hain (@Raja_Sw) July 10, 2023
Happy birthday, #SunilGavaskar! 🥳 Your cricketing genius is truly unmatched and you're a living legend in our hearts. That last meeting was memorable indeed, with your fascinating anecdotes and insights into the quirks of cricketing superstitions. Keep shining! 🏏✨
— Dr. Nandan Kumar (@NandanDuddukuri) July 10, 2023
https://twitter.com/skrishhatote/status/1678262031949135872?s=20
Wah!
Sunil Gavaskar is always straight forward spoken Even in commentary I have followed him since 1997 India tour of South Africa .
The best commentator & legend of India
Wah!@BCCI @ICC https://t.co/6TPG3mvJHR— ABRAHAM LUKE (@john1119999) July 10, 2023
It was Gavaskar
De real master
Just like a wall
We couldn't out Gavaskar at all, not at all
You know the West Indies couldn't out Gavaskar at all !!Happy Birthday Little Master . #SunilGavaskar pic.twitter.com/UWBP7IHBlZ
— Arnab Bhattacharyya (@TheBongGunner) July 10, 2023
Happy Birthday to the former Indian captain, legendary Sunil Gavaskar ..❤️
Little Master turns 74 today..🥳❤️ pic.twitter.com/jPwmIMtPj4
— 𝐒 𝐰 𝐚 𝐫 𝐚 (@SwaraMSDian) July 10, 2023
With a near-perfect technique and unending powers of concentration, he became the first to reach 10,000 Test runs 🙌
Here's wishing Sunil Gavaskar, a legendary opener and a popular commentator, a happy 74th birthday 🥳#SunilGavaskar #JoyMohunBagan pic.twitter.com/bUNKYWDirq
— Mariners Kerala – An MBC Wing (@Marinerskerala) July 10, 2023
To my favourite batsman ever Sunil Gavaskar…Happy Birthday !! He was the original Wall of India…No helmet & Fastest pace attack of the West Indies ! Wish you a long and healthy life !!
— ALOK GOEL (@alokgmumbai) July 10, 2023
Happy birthday to the original little master. One who made us believe in ourselves. #SunilGavaskar pic.twitter.com/56hpQPWTNM
— Pradeep Hardikar (@PradeepHardikar) July 10, 2023
https://twitter.com/I_am_DipC/status/1678269012269236224?s=20
