Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar is a famous Indian cricketer who dominated the sport in the decade between the 70s’ and the 80s’. He was a part of the Bombay team and the Indian National Team. Sunil Manohar Gavaskar was born in Mumbai, where he spent a major part of his cricketing career. Even as a child, he made a strong mark in the field and was even named ‘India’s Best Schoolboy Cricketer’ in 1966. He was a member of the Vazir Sultan Colts XI through which he played against several state teams while studying in St. Xavier’s College. He was often referred to as ‘Little Master’ by commentators and reporters. His brilliant performance got him selected into the Indian team to tour the West Indies in 1970. This tour marked a grand period of his journey in Indian sports during which he represented his country on numerous International platforms. He scored a great victory against the West Indies team, marking the first historic win of India against this country. He became the second-ever player (after Doug Walters) to score a century and a double century in a game.

Gavaskar became the first Indian to make four centuries in one Test series, the second Indian to score two centuries in the same Test match, and the first Indian to collectively score more than 700 runs in a series. He retains the title of being the batsman to have scored the most runs in a debut series with an impressive 774 runs at an average of 154.80. He made successive tours of England, Australia, and Pakistan, and also played many test series on his home ground. In 1976 he made his first century in his own country.

Gavaskar led the Indian team as its captain on numerous occasions. In his 1979 tour of England, he was named ‘Wisden Cricketer of the Year.’ He was particularly recognized for his great slip fielding skills, as well as his technique against fast bowling. The singer from Trinidad, Lord Realtor, composed the song, ‘Gavaskar Calypso’ in honor of his skills on the field. He was the recipient of two of the highest honors conferred in India, the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan. In 2009, he made it to the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame as one of India’s most renowned sportsmen. He received the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for Cricket in India in 2012. His legacy as a cricketer continues to inspire generations of Indians.