Happy Birthday Sunil Gavaskar! Indian legend turns 67

One of cricket’s greatest-ever batsman Sunil Gavaskar celebrates his 67th birthday today. Gavaskar represented India between 1971 and 1987. In his 16-year career span, he played 125 Tests, scoring 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12. Gavaskar, during his playing days, held many records on his own. He was the first player to record 10,000 runs in Test cricket. Along with that, his 34 centuries were the highest for any batsman, before Sachin Tendulkar broke the record in 2005. In ODIs, he amassed 3,092 runs in 108 ODIs at an average of 35.13, with just a solitary century. Gavaskar also served as the skipper of Indian team in both the formats. Between 1975 to 1985, he led India in 47 Tests, winning just nine matches. In ODIs, he led the side to just 14 wins in 37 matches. He was a part of the Indian team which historically lifted the World Cup in 1983. ALSO READ: Growing up with Sunil Gavaskar: Man, Milestone and Myth

Gavaskar is often referred to as ‘little master’ in the Indian team, a tag given to him due to his short height. He made his Test debut against the mighty West Indies in 1971. The talent was at view from the very first game, as he scored a pair of half-centuries to help his side to a win.

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He is often referred to as one of the greatest ever Test batsman. He was the first cricketer to reach the 10,000 run mark in Tests. Along with this, he also is one of the three players to have scored centuries in both the innings on three different occasions. His haul of 34 centuries was also the highest for any batsman at the time, and was only broken after two decades.

After his days in cricket, he was a regular member in the commentary box. He was also a member of ICC and interim president of BCCI.