Age
76
Player Skill
Batter
Batting Style
Right Handed
Bowling Style
Right-arm medium
Test Ranking: N/A
Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar is an iconic figure in Indian cricket, often hailed as one of the greatest batsmen the country has ever produced. He played during an era dominated by fearsome fast bowlers, bravely facing them without the protection of modern helmets. This makes his achievements on the field even more commendable and cements his status as a cricketing legend.
A Master of Test Cricket
Gavaskar etched his name in the history books with his remarkable batting in Tests. Of his 34 Test centuries, a record at the time, 13 came against the formidable West Indies, known for having one of the most intimidating fast-bowling attacks. In his debut Test series in 1971 in the West Indies, Gavaskar scored an astonishing 774 runs across four matches, leading India to a historic 1-0 series win.
Dominance Against the West Indies
Gavaskar seemed to thrive against the West Indies, scoring four centuries in a series against them on two occasions. His highest Test score of 236 was also registered against the Caribbean side in Chennai in 1983. Famously, he became the first batsman to reach the milestone of 10,000 Test runs. Gavaskar’s illustrious career included participation in four World Cup campaigns, highlighted by India’s maiden World Cup triumph in 1983. Two years later, he captained India to victory in the World Championship of Cricket in Australia.
Challenges in the ODI Arena
Although predominantly a Test cricket giant, Gavaskar faced challenges in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Making his ODI debut in 1974, he struggled to replicate his Test success in the shorter format. His infamous innings of 36 not out off 174 balls drew criticism, but it reflected his conservative batting style, which he maintained until his penultimate ODI. Despite this, he managed to score the then-fastest World Cup century for an Indian against New Zealand while battling high fever; it was his only ODI hundred.
Post-Retirement Contributions
Sunil Gavaskar retired in 1987 after amassing 10,122 Test runs at an impressive average of 51.12. Although his captaincy stints were not particularly successful, his contributions to the game continued post-retirement. He served as an ICC match referee, BCCI President, and chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee. As a commentator and cricket analyst, he remains a reliable and respected voice in the game, offering insights and engaging narratives that enrich the cricketing experience for fans worldwide.
FAQs About Sunil Gavaskar
How many Test centuries did Sunil Gavaskar score against the West Indies?
Sunil Gavaskar scored 13 Test centuries against the West Indies, showcasing his exceptional performance against one of the strongest bowling line-ups of his era.
What is Sunil Gavaskar’s highest Test score?
Gavaskar’s highest Test score is 236 runs, achieved against the West Indies in Chennai in 1983.
How did Sunil Gavaskar’s ODI career compare to his Test career?
While Gavaskar excelled in Test cricket, scoring over 10,000 runs, his ODI career was less successful, yielding only one century. His batting style did not suit the shorter format as well as it did the longer one.
What role has Sunil Gavaskar played in cricket post-retirement?
Post-retirement, Sunil Gavaskar has taken on multiple roles, including ICC match referee, commentator, cricket analyst, and holding positions within the BCCI and ICC.
What is the significance of Sunil Gavaskar’s contribution to Indian cricket?
Gavaskar’s contribution to Indian cricket is monumental. He set benchmarks in batting, inspired future generations of cricketers, and continues to influence the sport with his expert analysis and commentary.
Why is Sunil Gavaskar called the little master?
Sunil Gavaskar is affectionately known as the “Little Master” due to his relatively short stature and his masterful technique and achievements in cricket. Despite not having the physical presence of some of his contemporaries, his exceptional skill, solid defence, and ability to play long innings made him a dominant force in world cricket during his era.
