"It was Gavaskar, the real master just like a wall, we couldn't out Gavaskar at all, not at all; you know the West Indies couldn't out Gavaskar at all"
(
Lord Relator - in the famous
calypso composed on Gavaskar)
Sunil Gavaskar is a legendary figure in Indian cricket. He is considered to be one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game. Affectionately called Sunny, he is the first batsman to cross 10,000 runs in test cricket and was the highest run scorer in the history, till the Australian Allan Border broke the record. Another one of his records, the one of the highest number of test centuries(34) was recently equalled (after 17 years) by Sachin Tendulkar.
Gavaskar was born on 10 July 1949 in Mumbai. His test debut was against West Indies at Port of Spain in 1970. He wore the test cap for the nation till 1987.
He played 125 test matches and scored 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12. He scored 34 centuries and 45 half centuries with a highest score of 236 not out.
Critics say that his solid and defensive style of play was not that suited for one day cricket, at which he had less success. He struggled often with the speed of the shorter version of the game. His 36 not out carrying his bat through the full 60 overs in his ODI debut in 1974 against England is ignominiously famous. Overall he played 108 ODI matches and scored 3092 runs at an average of 35.13 with one century and 27 half-centuries and his highest score is a maiden 103.
He was a great fielder too. Gavaskar is the first Indian (excluding wicket-keepers) to take over a hundred catches.
He was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1980 and has also been awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. He has served as the Sheriff of Mumbai and is now working as a cricket writer and commentator. He has publeshed many books including an autobiography, Sunny days. His son Roshan Gavaskar is an upcoming cricketer and was selected to the national team recently.
S T A T I S T I C S.
Batting : Right Hand Bat
Bowling : Right Arm Medium Pace
Test Cricket
Test Batting
Matches Innings Not Outs Runs Highest Avg 100s 50s Catches
125 214 16 10122 236* 51.12 34 45 108
Tests Bowling
Balls M R W Avg Best 5 10 SR Eco
380 15 206 1 206.0 1-34 - - 380.0 3.25
One-Day Internationals
One Day Batting
Matches Inns Runs Highest Avg 100s 50s Ct
108 102 3092 103* 35.13 1 27 22
One Day Bowling
O M R W Avg Best 5 Eco
3.2 0 25 1 25.00 1-10 - 7.50