Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian cricket captain, celebrated his 74th birthday. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian cricketers to have played the game. Gavaskar gained prominence during his debut Test series against the formidable West Indies, where he faced the fast-paced Caribbean bowlers with determination. Throughout his illustrious career, which spanned from 1971 to 1987, he broke numerous batting records and set new ones.
Despite learning the game on challenging pitches in Mumbai, Gavaskar showcased his batting prowess on both bouncy Caribbean surfaces and turning pitches in the Indian subcontinent. He was a key member of India’s historic World Cup-winning squad in 1983. Gavaskar held the record for the most centuries in Test matches for a significant period of time. With over 10,000 runs in red-ball cricket, he retired with 45 half-centuries and 34 centuries to his name.
One of Gavaskar’s significant achievements was becoming the first cricketer to reach 10,000 Test runs in March 1987. His total of 10,122 runs stands as a remarkable feat, especially considering the challenging conditions he faced against formidable bowlers like Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Jeff Thomson, and Denis Lillee.
Gavaskar’s record of the most Test centuries held for a considerable time until it was surpassed by Sachin Tendulkar in 2005. In his 125 Test matches, Gavaskar scored 34 centuries, including 13 against the West Indies, a team known for their strong bowling attack during the 1970s and 1980s.
One of Gavaskar’s memorable innings came during India’s Test tour of England in 1974 when he scored a splendid 101 in the first innings. Despite his remarkable performance, India couldn’t avoid defeat in that match. Gavaskar’s batting prowess was evident in his debut series against the West Indies in 1971, where he aggregated 774 runs, including a double century.
Gavaskar’s contributions were not limited to his batting skills alone. He was a shrewd fielder and a leader on the field. As a non-wicketkeeper, he was the first Indian fielder to take 100 catches in Test cricket.
Sunil Gavaskar’s achievements, memorable innings, and records have firmly established him as a legend of Indian cricket, earning him the nicknames “Sunny” and “Little Master.” His impact on the game and his legacy continue to inspire cricketers in India and around the world.
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