Mumbai: The legendary Sunil Gavaskar (or Sunny) turns 71 Friday. He is considered one of the best batsmen the world has ever seen. Sunil Gavaskar was the first man to clock 10,000 Test runs. He also beat Donald Bradman’s record of 29 Test centuries and finally ended up with 34. During his playing days (1971 to 1987) Gavaskar dominated all the bowlers of the world.
Gavaskar’s record of 34 Test centuries stood for almost two decades before it was broken by Sachin Tendulkar in December 2005. However, it is not the runs that just define the man. Gavaskar has been equally successful with the mike in hand. He is one of the highest paid cricket commentators at present. His pleasing personality and ready wit make him an instant success with the viewers.
Gavaskar in his career faced quick bowlers like Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts, Sir Richard Headley, Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thompson, Imran Khan and many more. He tackled them fearlessly and scored runs against all opposition. In his entire career, Gavaskar did not use a helmet. It was in 1983 that he started using a skull cap.
Off the field, Sunny was equally fearless too. This came to the fore during the 1993 Mumbai riots. Gavaskar saved a family which had been surrounded by a mob.
Gavaskar was standing on the balcony of his ‘Worli Sea Face’ flat when he saw the mob surround the family with murderous intention. Immediately he went out on the streets and faced the crowd. He told them that they would have to first go through him to reach the family. The mob recognising the legendary cricketer went away. It certainly proves that Gavaskar is a man of courage and integrity.
Gavaskar is a recipient of both the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2012, he was awarded the ‘Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award’ by the BCCI.
Happy Birthday Mr Gavaskar!