In the annals of cricket, few names shine as brightly as that of Sunil Gavaskar. A titan of the sport, Gavaskar’s contributions to cricket are as vast as they are significant.
Sunil Gavaskar: The Little Master of Cricket
Who is Sunil Gavaskar? Born on July 10, 1949, Sunil Gavaskar is a name that resonates with cricketing excellence. His game was built around a near-perfect technique and enormous powers of concentration, making him one of the greatest opening batsmen of all time, and certainly the most successful.
The Early Years and Rise of Sunil Gavaskar
In his debut Test series against the West Indies in 1971, Gavaskar scored a record 774 runs, quickly becoming a national hero for cricket fans in India.
His spectacular career saw him score 10,122 Test runs at an average of 51.12, a feat that earned him the title of the first batsman to score 10,000 Test runs.
Sunil Gavaskar batting style was unique and effective. He played with equal felicity off both front and back feet, had excellent judgement of length and line, and was beautifully balanced.
He had virtually every stroke in the book but traded flair for the solidity his side needed more. His record for the highest number of Test hundreds was overtaken by Sachin Tendulkar, but statistics alone don’t reveal Gavaskar’s true value to India.
He played 125 Test matches, scoring 34 centuries, and 108 One Day Internationals (ODIs), scoring one century. Despite his phenomenal success in Test cricket, Gavaskar’s ODI career was less illustrious.
However, his contribution to Indian cricket goes beyond mere numbers. He earned respect for Indian cricket and taught his teammates the virtue of professionalism.
The Personal Life of Sunil Gavaskar
Standing at 1.65m (5’5″), Sunil Gavaskar height did not deter him from facing some of the fiercest bowlers of his time. His courage and determination on the field were as towering as his stature was modest.
The son of Sunil Gavaskar, Rohan Gavaskar, also represented India at the international level, continuing his father’s cricketing legacy.
Marshneill Gavaskar, Sunil Gavaskar wife, has been a constant pillar of support in his life. The couple has been together since 1974, sharing their love for the game and their family.
Sunil Gavaskar young years were spent honing his skills and building a foundation for a career that would change the face of Indian cricket. Sunil Gavaskar birthday, July 10, is celebrated by cricket fans across the country, marking the birth of a cricketing legend.
His image as a cricketer, commentator, and analyst is respected worldwide. His insights into the game, drawn from his rich experience, have made him a reliable and renowned voice in cricket.
Sunil Gavaskar net worth is estimated to be around $32 million (approximately Rs. 250 crore), a proof to his successful career in cricket and beyond.
His wealth is not just a result of his cricketing prowess but also his stints as a commentator, analyst, and various roles with the BCCI and ICC.
All 34 of Sunil Gavaskar centuries in Test cricket are a testament to his exceptional skill and tenacity. His highest Test score of 236 came against the West Indies, a team against whom he always seemed to bring his best game.
The Controversial Side of a Cricket Legend
Sunil Gavaskar, the name that resonates with cricket, has not only been known for his exceptional cricketing skills but also for his controversial stances and comments.
The Sunil Gavaskar age of controversy began post his retirement from international cricket, when he took up the roles of a commentator, cricket analyst, and administrator.
One of the most notable controversies in the Sunil Gavaskar career post-retirement was his tussle with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Gavaskar, who was a part of the BCCI’s governing council for the Indian Premier League (IPL), accused the board of not paying him the promised $1 million per season for “media activities” related to the IPL.
This controversy raised questions about the conflict of interest, considering his multiple roles in the cricketing world.
Another instance that stirred up controversy was his commentary stint for the BCCI. Sunil Gavaskar was paid a whopping ₹3.6 crore per year for his commentary services.
This arrangement was viewed by many as a conflict of interest, as it was believed that Gavaskar would be biased towards the BCCI in his commentary. However, both Gavaskar and the BCCI vehemently denied these allegations.
Sunil Gavaskar’s comments have also sparked controversies on several occasions. His remarks on cricketers and teams have often been viewed as harsh and biased.
For instance, his comment on Shimron Hetmyer, a player from the Rajasthan Royals team in IPL 2022, was met with severe backlash from fans on Twitter.
The son of Sunil Gavaskar, Rohan Gavaskar, who is also a former Indian cricketer, has often been at the receiving end of his father’s critical comments. This has led to debates about the impartiality of Gavaskar as a commentator and analyst.
Despite these controversies, the Sunil Gavaskar image as a cricket legend remains unscathed. His contributions to Indian cricket, both as a player and an administrator, are unparalleled.
The Sunil Gavaskar stats speak volumes about his prowess as a cricketer. With 34 Test centuries and over 10,000 runs in Test cricket, Gavaskar has etched his name in the annals of cricket history.
However, these controversies have added a different dimension to the Sunil Gavaskar career. They have raised questions about the ethics and responsibilities of retired cricketers who take up administrative and commentary roles.
As we reflect on the remarkable career and life of Sunil Gavaskar, one can’t help but wonder about the future of Indian cricket. Who will step up to fill the shoes of such a legend? And how will the lessons from Gavaskar’s career influence the next generation of cricketers? Only time will tell.
