Excerpt: Before Virat Kohli rewrote the record books and before Sachin Tendulkar became the “God of Cricket,” there was one man who laid the foundation stone for India’s cricketing self-belief — Sunil Gavaskar. In an era dominated by fast bowlers and foreign tours, Gavaskar stood as India’s first true cricketing legend.
Born to Bat: The Early Days of a Legend
Gavaskar’s tryst with destiny began at St. Xavier’s High School, where his prodigious talent was evident early on. His school cricket achievements were so impressive that cricketing circles began whispering his name long before he wore the Indian cap.
A Dream Debut That Shook the World
In 1971, Sunil Gavaskar made his Test debut during India’s tour of the West Indies — one of the most feared teams of that era. What followed was nothing short of legendary. In just four Tests, Gavaskar scored 774 runs at an average of 154.80, including four centuries. It was an innings of maturity, grit, and impeccable technique — a statement that India had arrived on the world stage.
Technique Over Terror: Mastering the Fast Bowlers
What made Gavaskar special was his fearless attitude against some of the most dangerous bowling attacks in cricket history. He faced the likes of Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Dennis Lillee, and Imran Khan — not with brute strength, but with an impenetrable defense, a sharp cricketing brain, and unshakable concentration.
Even without the protective helmets of today, Gavaskar rarely flinched. His compact technique, perfect footwork, and precision strokeplay made him nearly impossible to dismiss once set. His battle against the West Indian pacers on Caribbean soil still remains etched in cricket folklore.
The Record Machine: Breaking Barriers
By the time he retired in 1987, Gavaskar had become the first player in history to score 10,000 Test runs — a landmark that stood as a pinnacle of consistency and longevity.
He also had more than 12,000 runs in first-class cricket and was equally sharp as a fielder, especially in the slips.
Captaincy: A Mixed Bag of Leadership
Sunil Gavaskar had several stints as Indian captain, leading the side between 1976 and 1985.
Beyond the Pitch: A Voice That Matters
Post-retirement, Gavaskar seamlessly transitioned into a revered cricket commentator and columnist. His deep understanding of the game, sharp wit, and honest opinions made him a favorite — even if he didn’t shy away from criticizing India’s own performances when required.
He has authored several books including the famous “Sunny Days”, his autobiography, and remains one of the most articulate voices in Indian cricket.
Honors, Awards & Legacy
- Padma Bhushan (India’s third-highest civilian award)
- Padma Shri
- Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1971)
- Member of the ICC Hall of Fame
Should Shubman Gill have grilled Ben Stokes?
Gavaskar urged India’s captain Shubman Gill to confront Ben Stokes directly, asking: “Why didn’t you declare earlier when you had such a big lead?
Sarcasm and poor sportsmanship called out
Gavaskar sharply criticized the English dressing room for their refusal to applaud Jadeja and Sundar upon reaching their centuries. He described their behavior as immature, emphasizing that cricket demands maturity and respect for opponents’ achievements.
Gavaskar reveals surprising sporting passion
In a delightful personal revelation, Sunil Gavaskar declared that badminton—not cricket—is actually his favorite sport to watch. He likened the excitement of India’s 2022 Thomas Cup victory to India’s historic 1983 World Cup win in cricket.
Summary Table of His Recent Commentary
| Topic | Gavaskar’s Take |
|---|---|
| England’s tactics | Labeled them “bravado”, “whining”, and lacking maturity |
| Ben Stokes’ delayed declaration | Advised Gill to directly ask Stokes, “Why wait so long?” |
| Sportsmanship | Criticized England for not acknowledging Indian centuries |
| ICC concussion substitute rule | Strongly critical and skeptical of its impact on fairness |
| Favorite sport | Surprisingly, badminton tops Gavaskar’s list over cricket |
legacy That Inspired Generations
Sunil Gavaskar wasn’t just a batsman — he was a mindset shift. Every Indian batsman who came after him — from Dravid to Kohli — has walked on a path he paved.
Gavaskar turned technical correctness into an art form and remains an institution in Indian cricket. Even today, young cricketers watch his old tapes to learn how to tackle fast bowling.
Final Word: The Man Who Played Fearless, Silent Symphonies
He didn’t wield his bat like a sword; he used it like a scalpel. In the age of wild strokes and towering sixes, Sunil Gavaskar’s.
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Author: Team BTP
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