Arguably one of India’s most impactful cricketers from the previous century, Sunil Gavaskar turns 75 today, July 10. The all-time opening great’s game was built around a near-perfect technique coated with some high-concentration levels. Boasting an excellent judgement of length and line, Gavaskar had virtually every stroke in his playbook.
A legend among opening batters, Gavaskar dominated Test cricket, setting the world record for most runs and most centuries at the time. His incredible feat of 34 Test tons stood unmatched for nearly 20 years before Sachin Tendulkar surpassed it. He also holds the distinction of being the first cricketer to score centuries in both innings of a Test match.
Since retiring, Gavaskar took up various responsibilities within BCCI and ICC. He currently serves primarily as a media columnist and commentator. With him reaching the 75 mark, let’s take a look at some of his top performances as a player, his love for MS Dhoni and the times he spoke about different Indian players.
Haircut On The Field!
Did you know? Sunil Gavaskar holds the unique distinction of being the only cricketer in the world to receive a haircut on the field during a match!
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Sunil Gavaskar’s Career Top Innings
- 236* vs West Indies, 1983Sunil Gavaskar recorded his highest Test score of an unbeaten 236 in 1983. Playing against the West Indies in Chennai, the little master scored more than fifty per cent of India’s total as he notched his 30th Test hundred. The ton also saw Gavaskar edge past Don Bradman as Test Cricket’s most prolific century scorer at the time.
- 221 vs England, 1979Arguably one of Sunil Gavaskar’s greatest-ever knocks, the Indian batter notched 221 runs at the Oval in 1979. Playing against a fierce England side, Gavaskar spearheaded India in chasing down a daunting 438 for a historic win.
- 220 vs West Indies, 1971A 21-year-old Sunil Gavaskar took the world by storm in his debut Test series against the West Indies in 1971. He scored a century and a double hundred in the final match of the same series. Gavaskar scored 220 runs out of India’s 427-run total. His knock proved crucial in sealing India’s first series win in the Caribbean.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Love For MS Dhoni
While Sunil Gavaskar is known for being upfront about his opinions on most cricketers, the Indian icon has mostly said good things about MS Dhoni over the years. Just earlier this year, Gavaskar reflected on his fandom for Dhoni.
WATCH: Sunil Gavaskar Runs After MS Dhoni for Autograph, CSK Skipper Obliges
Citing the ex-skipper’s style of play, Gavaskar said, “Ever since I saw MSD playing for the first time, I have been his fan…He is a very good role model. The way he conducts himself with grace, it made me go to him and request him, and I am very happy that he agreed to sign on my shirt.”
Times Sunil Gavaskar Spoke About Other Cricketers
Criticism of Virat Kohli’s strike rate
During the IPL 2024, Sunil Gavaskar and Virat Kohli were involved in an indirect rant over the latter’s batting strike rate. Gavaskar later spoke about the situation on Star Sports and said, “Commentators questioned only when his strike rate was 118…if you come and open and then have a strike of 118 when you get out in the 14th or the 15th over, I mean, if you want applause for that, that’s a little bit different.”
Comparing Dhruv Jurel with MS Dhoni
During India’s home Test series against England, Sunil Gavaskar had some high praise for upcoming Indian batter Dhruv Jurel. Speaking about the lad during commentary, the cricket icon said, “I want to say that he is another MS Dhoni in the making. I know there can never be another MSD but you know the presence of mind that he has, MSD also when he started, it was that. And Jurel has that game awareness. Street-smart cricketer.”
Praising Shubman Gill during IPL 2024
Sunil Gavaskar hailed Shubman Gill’s performance against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024 for a 64-run stand. As per multiple outlets, this is what Gavaskar told Star Sports – “I am very impressed with Shubman Gill because, again, he was not getting the kind of support that he would have wanted at the other end…But what a terrific innings from a young Shubman Gill.”
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