Sunil Gavaskar
The original Little Master who redefined opening batting.
Sunil Manohar Gavaskar (born 10 July 1949) is an Indian cricket commentator and former cricketer. He captained the Indian national cricket team while representing India and Mumbai from 1971 to 1987. He was the first batsman to pass 10,000 runs in Test cricket and is acknowledged as one of the greatest opening batsmen of all time.
Quick Facts
- Office
- Sheriff of Mumbai
- Predecessor
- I. M. Kadri
- Successor
- Subir Kumar Choudhury
- Term
- 1995–1996
Lore & Background
Gavaskar was widely admired for his technique against fast bowling, with a particularly high average of 65.45 against the West Indies. His captaincy was considered one of the first attacking ones, with India winning the 1984 Asia Cup and the World Championship of Cricket in 1985. He is a former Sheriff of Mumbai and a recipient of the Arjuna Award, Padma Bhushan, and the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009.
Reader's Guide
Gavaskar made his first-class debut for Vazir Sultan Colts XI in 1966–67. He debuted for Bombay in the 1968–69 season, scoring 114 against Rajasthan in his second match. He was selected for the 1970–71 Indian tour of the West Indies. In his Test debut series, he scored 774 runs at 154.80, including four centuries, and helped India to its first series victory over the West Indies. He later scored consecutive Test centuries in Australia (1977–78) and twin centuries in a Test against Pakistan (1978–79).
Did You Know?
- Gavaskar was the first Indian to aggregate more than 700 runs in a Test series, with 774 runs at 154.80 in his debut series.
- A calypso song titled 'Gavaskar Calypso' was written in his honour by Trinidad singer Lord Relator.
- He captained India in his first Test as stand-in captain in January 1976 against New Zealand, scoring 116 and 35.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sunil Gavaskar?
He was a pioneering opening batsman who established India as a competitive force in Test cricket during the 1970s and 80s. Widely regarded as one of the greatest left-handers ever, he set new benchmarks for consistency at the top of the order.
What role did Sunil Gavaskar play?
Gavaskar served primarily as an opening batsman who specialized in defending against aggressive fast bowling attacks from overseas teams. His technical discipline allowed him to accumulate runs and stabilize the innings during a turbulent era for Indian cricket.
When was Sunil Gavaskar active?
He made his international debut in 1971 and continued representing India until his retirement in 1987. This long tenure spanned nearly two decades, covering the most challenging period of fast bowling in world cricket history.
What is Sunil Gavaskar's biggest achievement?
He was the first player in history to reach the milestone of 10,000 runs in Test matches. This record solidified his legacy as a run-machine who could dominate bowlers across multiple continents.
More in Team History & Eras
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