Former India captain and renowned cricketer Sunil Gavaskar celebrates his 74th birthday today. Fondly known as ‘Sunny,’ Gavaskar has left an indelible mark on Test cricket, displaying his mastery of the format on numerous occasions throughout his illustrious career. Let’s take a closer look at the stellar records and numerous milestones achieved by this legendary cricketer.
First Player to Score 10,000 Test Runs
On March 7, 1987, Gavaskar etched his name in history by becoming the first cricketer to surpass the 10,000 runs mark in Tests. This milestone was achieved during a Test match against Pakistan, which also happened to be his last series. Gavaskar concluded his Test career with a total of 10,122 runs, placing him third on the list of highest Test run-scorers for India, behind Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
34 Test Centuries
Gavaskar held the record for the most centuries in Test cricket for a significant period. Across his 125 Test appearances, the ‘Little Master’ smashed a remarkable 34 centuries. This record stood unbroken until 2005 when another batting maestro, Sachin Tendulkar, surpassed it.
Extraordinary Debut Series
In the 1971 series against the formidable West Indies, Gavaskar delivered an unforgettable performance, scoring 774 runs in eight innings. This included four centuries and one double century, making it the highest number of runs scored by an Indian batter in a Test series and the 12th highest overall worldwide. Gavaskar played a pivotal role in India’s first-ever series victory in the Caribbean. Impressively, he holds the record for the most Test hundreds against the West Indies, with 13 from 27 matches.
Fielding Accolades
While Gavaskar is widely recognized for his batting prowess, his skill as a fielder often goes unnoticed. Excluding wicketkeepers, Gavaskar was the first Indian outfielder to record a century of catches in Tests, with a total of 108 catches throughout his Test career. His exceptional fielding abilities made him one of the most significant players in the Indian team.
The 1983 World Cup
Gavaskar was a member of the World Cup-winning Indian team in 1983, which brought India its first silverware in the prestigious tournament. The following year, as captain, he guided India to victory in the World Championship of Cricket 1984-85. Surprisingly, Gavaskar’s bat remained silent during both these series, highlighting his leadership skills and ability to inspire his team to success.
A Legendary Career
Gavaskar’s exceptional career is defined by numerous batting records, including his extraordinary performances against the fearsome West Indies fast bowling attack, which is still considered the most challenging in cricket history. From 1971 to 1987, he played several remarkable and heroic innings in Test cricket, showcasing his ability to score big runs on difficult pitches. Additionally, his brilliant fielding further solidified his status as a legend of the game.
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