Introduction about Sunil Gavaskar:
Dear Readers, let us step into the world of cricket excellence with Sunil Gavaskar. He is an icon whose skills and achievements have left a big imprint on the sport of cricket. This blog post takes a look at the journey of the Little Master. We shall explore more about his illustrious career, records, and his impact on Indian cricket.
Description:
Sunil Gavaskar is a former Indian Test and ODI cricketer. He is revered as one of the greatest opening batsmen in the history of cricket. Supreme mental strength, technique and prolific run-scoring ability made him a cricketing stalwart. His impact has extended beyond the pitch, with his insightful commentary and contributions to cricket administration.
FAQs About Sunil Gavaskar:
When was he born?
He was born on July 10th, 1949, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India.
What is his full name?
His full name is Sunil Manohar Gavaskar.
Who were his parents?
His father was Manohar Gavaskar and his mother’s name was Meenal Gavaskar.
Did he have any siblings?
He has two sisters by the name Kavita and Nutan.
What was his playing position in cricket?
He was an opening batsman.
What was his early life like?
Sunil Gavaskar grew up in a middle-class Maharashtrian family with a strong cricketing influence. His father, Manohar Gavaskar, was himself a reputed club cricketer.
Where did he receive his education?
He attended the St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai.
Can you provide details about his spouse and children?
He is married to Marshneill Gavaskar. The have a son, Rohan Gavaskar, who also played cricket for India.
Did he have any other jobs before becoming a full-time cricketer?
He had worked for a sports goods company before focusing on a full-time cricket career.
At what age did he start playing cricket?
He started playing cricket at a young age. He went on to make his Test debut for India at the age of 21.
Test Debut, Nickname, Top Score, Retirement From Cricket.
When did he make his Test career debut?
He made his Test debut for India on March 6, 1971, against the mighty West Indies.
What was his nickname in cricket?
He was referred to as the “Little Master”. His peers also called him “Sunny”.
How many centuries did he score in Test cricket?
He scored 34 centuries in international Test cricket.
What is his highest individual score in the Test cricket format?
His highest individual score in Test matches is 236 not-out.
Did he play One Day Internationals (ODIs)?
He played many ODIs and was part of the Indian national team in the first ever Cricket World Cup in 1975.
How many runs did he score in his debut Test series against West Indies?
He scored a mammoth total of 774 runs in his debut Test series against the West Indies in 1971. He faced a lethal line-up of the West Indian fast bowlers in this series.
Awards, Broadcasting, Autobiography, Cricket Administration, Views On The Game.
What awards has he received for his contribution to cricket?
He received the Padma Bhushan in 1980 from the Government of India. He was also inducted as the Sherriff of Bombay (honorary position) in the year 1994.
What is his record in Indian domestic cricket?
He had a very strong domestic record and scored over 10,000 runs in Ranji Trophy matches during his career.
What are some of his best performances while playing for India?
His most revered and notable performances include his 221 against England at The Oval in 1979. He also scored a brilliant 96 at Bangalore against Pakistan in 1987.
How did he perform during the famous West Indies tours in the 1970s and 1980s?
He had remarkable performances against the West Indies. He scored four centuries in the 1971 series and a double century in 1978.
When did he retire from international cricket?
He decided to retire from international cricket after the Test series against Pakistan in 1987.
How did he transition to a career in cricket broadcasting?
Sunil Gavaskar turned to broadcasting and became a cricket commentator after his retirement.
Has he authored an autobiography?
He has authored an autobiography titled “Sunny Days”. It provides insights into his life and cricketing journey.
Films, IPL, Cricket In Mumbai, Contribution To Cricket Commentary.
What philanthropic work is he associated with?
He has been involved in several philanthropic activities. He has supported charitable causes and initiatives related to healthcare as a cricket celebrity.
Did he work in any films?
He made a cameo appearance in the Bollywood movie “Maalamaal” in 1988.
How did he contribute to Indian cricket administration?
Sunil Gavaskar has served in administrative roles, including as the Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee and the BCCI.
What is his role in the formation of the Indian Premier League (IPL)?
He played a vital role in the formation of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since its inception, he has been associated with the league in different capacities.
How did he contribute to the development of cricket in Mumbai?
He has actively contributed to the development of cricket in Mumbai. He has mentored young batsman and supported their development as professionals.
What is his perspective on the evolution of cricket over the years?
He has shared insights on the evolution of the game, emphasizing on technology and the need for balance in the game.
How did he influence the opening batting role in Test cricket?
Sunil Gavaskar’s disciplined and technically sound approach to opening the batting influenced future generations of cricketers. His mental strength and ability to read game situations were exemplary.
What is his contribution to cricket commentary?
His insightful commentary has made him a respected figure in the cricketing world. He regularly provides expert analysis during India’s home series and other ICC tournaments as a broadcaster.
International Honors, Major Wins, View On Sports.
Did Sunil Gavaskar receive any international cricket honors during his career?
He received the Wisden Cricketer of the Year award in 1980 for his outstanding performances.
What was his role in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket?
He captained the victorious Indian cricket team in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket in Australia.
How did he contribute to the success of the Indian cricket team in the 1983 World Cup?
While not part of the playing XI, he kept providing valuable insights as a team consultant. He helped fellow team mates chalk out plans against their opponents. This contributed to India’s historic win in the 1983 World Cup.
What is his view on the importance of cricketing infrastructure in India?
He has emphasized the need for a robust cricketing infrastructure in India. This will allow the BCCI to nurture and source young talent from remote places.
What is his view on the role of sports in character-building?
Sunil Gavaskar believes that all sports play a very important role in character-building, instilling values of discipline and resilience.
Important Recognitions for Sunil Gavaskar –
1975 – Honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award.
1980 – Recognized for his cricketing feats with a Padma Bhushan.
2009 – Inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
Conclusion:
Sunil Gavaskar‘s impact on Indian cricket goes beyond the records and statistics. His technique, tenacity, and leadership on the field have made him a cricketing icon in India and abroad. As we reflect on his contributions, it is evident that he mastered the art of playing professional cricket. In doing so, he also inspired future generations. His achievements have left an enduring legacy in the heart of every cricket enthusiast. Dear Readers, you may read some of our other articles from the “Home” page on our websites. Our articles are available in more than 20 different languages.