Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar, often hailed as one of the greatest Test batsmen in cricket history, laid the foundation for Indian batting dominance on the global stage. With unmatched technique, fearless attitude, and a mountain of records, Gavaskar became a symbol of Indian cricket’s resilience during the 1970s and 1980s. This dedicated tag page on The Cricket Scores brings you everything related to Sunil Gavaskar—his historic achievements, rare interviews, unforgettable innings, match stats, and expert commentary.

Early Life & Introduction to Cricket

Born on July 10, 1949, in Mumbai, Sunil Manohar Gavaskar was introduced to cricket at an early age by his family. He rose quickly through school and domestic cricket, earning his Test debut against the West Indies in 1971. In his debut series itself, he scored 774 runs, a record for a debut series that still stands.

International Career Highlights

Gavaskar’s international career spanned from 1971 to 1987, during which he became the first player to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket. Known for his mastery against fast bowling, especially the lethal West Indies pace battery, Gavaskar’s name became synonymous with courage, class, and consistency.

Test Matches:

  • Matches: 125
  • Runs: 10,122
  • Centuries: 34
  • Batting Average: 51.12
  • Highest Score: 236*

One-Day Internationals:

  • Matches: 108
  • Runs: 3,092
  • Centuries: 1
  • Batting Average: 35.13
  • Notable Innings: 103* vs New Zealand in 1987 World Cup

Style of Play & Influence

Nicknamed “Little Master,” Gavaskar was known for his compact defense, precise footwork, and ability to concentrate for long periods. He played with a straight bat, solid technique, and an unshakable temperament. At a time when India often struggled abroad, Gavaskar stood tall as a lone warrior, taking on the best bowling attacks with grace and grit.

Milestones & Records

  • First player to cross 10,000 Test runs
  • Held the record for most Test centuries (34) until Sachin Tendulkar surpassed it
  • Only player to score centuries in both innings of a Test match three times
  • Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee
  • Member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning squad

Post-Retirement Contributions

After retirement, Gavaskar transitioned into a highly respected cricket commentator, columnist, and analyst. He’s been a sharp voice in the cricketing world, often providing insights into team strategy, player psychology, and the evolution of the game. He also served as the interim BCCI President during the 2013 IPL crisis and remains an active figure in cricket governance.

Gavaskar in Popular Culture

Sunil Gavaskar’s impact goes beyond the boundary lines. He has been featured in documentaries, biographical sketches, and is frequently quoted for his sharp cricketing wisdom. His autobiography “Sunny Days” remains a classic read for cricket lovers.

Legacy & Modern-Day Relevance

Even decades after his retirement, Sunil Gavaskar continues to inspire budding cricketers. His name lives on through the prestigious Border–Gavaskar Trophy, contested between India and Australia. Modern players and fans alike respect him for setting the gold standard for opening batsmen, especially in hostile overseas conditions.

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Stay connected to all things Sunil Gavaskar through this tag page. From flashbacks to iconic innings and expert analysis to special birthday tributes, The Cricket Scores is your ultimate source for timeless cricketing content on the original Little Master.