NEW DELHI: Indian cricket legend and former captain Sunil Gavaskar, affectionately known as 'Sunny' and 'Little Master,' celebrates his 75th birthday today.
Gavaskar's extraordinary career, spanning from 1971 to 1987, is characterized by numerous batting records and heroic innings, often against the formidable West Indies' fast bowling attack, considered one of the fiercest in cricket history.
Gavaskar showcased remarkable adaptability and skill, whether on the bouncy tracks of the Caribbean or the turning surfaces of the Indian subcontinent. His iconic image, batting with just a skull cap for protection, remains etched in the memories of cricket fans worldwide.
An integral member of India's historic 1983 World Cup-winning squad, Gavaskar once held the record for the most centuries in Test matches. He accumulated over 10,000 runs in Test cricket, including 34 centuries and 45 half-centuries, setting standards and achieving milestones that were considered extraordinary for his time.
In March 1987, Gavaskar became the first cricketer to reach the milestone of 10,000 Test runs, a feat that seemed unimaginable then. By the end of his illustrious career, he had amassed a staggering 10,122 runs.
Gavaskar's record of 34 Test centuries stood unchallenged for a significant period until it was surpassed by Sachin Tendulkar in 2005.
His dominance against the West Indies was particularly remarkable, as he scored 13 centuries in 27 Tests against them during the '70s and '80s when the West Indies' bowling attack was at its peak. In his debut series against the West Indies in 1971, Gavaskar amassed an impressive 774 runs, including a double century.
Beyond his batting prowess, Gavaskar was also an astute fielder and leader. Excluding wicketkeepers, he became the first Indian fielder to achieve the milestone of 100 catches in Test cricket.
As Sunil Gavaskar celebrates his 75th birthday, the cricketing world pays tribute to his unparalleled contributions and enduring legacy in the sport. His records, resilience, and remarkable achievements continue to inspire cricketers and fans around the globe.
