After Shikhar Dhawan recently called time on his playing career across all formats, legendary India opener Sunil Gavaskar feels the left-handed opener’s retirement leaves cricket ‘poorer’. He added that injuries may have influenced Dhawan’s decision to retire from the game. In all, Dhawan scored 6,793 runs in 167 ODIs at an average of 44.11 and a strike rate of 91.35, including 17 centuries. In 34 Tests, he amassed 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61, while hitting seven centuries, including 189 on debut against Australia at Mohali. In 68 T20Is, he scored 1,759 runs at a strike rate of 126.36.

“Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement from all forms of the game is going to leave the sport poorer than before. The ever-smiling, ever-positive Shikhar, also fondly called ‘Gabbar’, was a player of enormous talent. But as befalls opening batters, a lean series or tournament can mean the selectors wielding the axe.”

“In later years, injuries were part of Shikhar’s career, which seldom allowed him to fully display his skill and probably helped him make the decision to quit the game while he was still enjoying being part of the circuit,” wrote Gavaskar in his column for Sportstar.

Dhawan was the leading run-getter in India’s title-winning run at the 2013 Champions Trophy in England and went on to be the side’s leading run-getter in 2014 Asia Cup, 2015 ODI World Cup 2015, 2017 Champions Trophy and 2018 Asia Cup.

He also captained India whenever the seniors weren’t present in the team and was Player of the Tournament in the 2004 U19 World Cup. He represented Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he’s the second-highest run-getter after Virat Kohli.

Gavaskar also feels that with retired cricketers having greater avenues to give back to the game, Dhawan can dabble into anything which will bring joy to cricket fans. On Monday, it was announced that Dhawan, 38, joined the Legends Cricket League, with its next edition to happen in September.

Moreover, Dhawan has his philanthropic ventures and recently became co-owner of the South Delhi Superstars team in the ongoing Delhi Premier League (DPL). “Taking that call is the hardest thing to do. But when the body tells the mind, ‘Enough, enough’, then that’s the right time to go.”

“Retired cricketers today have many more avenues open to stay connected with the game, and Shikhar could well avail of them. There’s no doubt that whatever he chooses to do, he will do it with the same cheer that he brought to the game and was loved by teammates and fans for,” he concluded.

Jay Shah, the current BCCI president, is reportedly leading the race to be the next ICC chairman. The current head Greg Barclay, who is eligible to serve a third term of two years, has announced his decision not to seek re-election, paving the way for Shah’s potential ascension. The new ICC chairman will take charge on December 1, and the last date for filing nomination is August 27. If Shah succeeds, he will become the youngest-ever ICC chief at the age of 36. His election would also make him the latest in a line of prominent Indians who have held the prestigious position, following in the footsteps of Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N. Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has called out the ‘old powers’ for accusing Jay Shah of forcing Greg Barclay out of his position.  

“In all probability, Jay Shah will be the next ICC president. Just as he has done for Indian cricket, both men and women, players worldwide will benefit. When Greg Barclay announced his decision not to go for a third term, which he was entitled to, there were reports in the media of the Old Powers that Barclay’s decision had been forced by Shah,” Gavaskar wrote in his column in Sportstar.

“Only when the perennial cribbers were questioned about what the representatives of their Old Powers were doing did it suddenly occur to them that if indeed Barclay was forced to not seek a third term, then what were their own representatives at the ICC doing at the meeting? Where were their voices of objection? And if there were none, then they were as culpable as the one they were unnecessarily pointing a finger at. It’s called the Tall poppy syndrome as well as the realisation that they don’t run the international game anymore.” 

Gavaskar further wrote that the BCCI needs to be lauded for their contribution in lifting the game in the country.

“The way Indian cricket has shaped up over the years is also a tribute to the BCCI and its administration. The kind of cricket that the teams, both men and women, have been playing is another huge reason why the sport is flourishing in India. If the team was not winning, the sponsors would stay away. Terrific teamwork from both the players and the administrators explains why Indian cricket is in such a healthy state. May it always remain so,” he wrote.

File image of Sunil Gavaskar.© X (Twitter)

Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar extended birthday wishes to compatriot and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who turned 75 on Wednesday, saying that he served as an inspiration to the future generations of Indian cricket and it owes a lot to him for his services. Gavaskar, one of the best Test batters produced by India and the first man ever to reach 10,000 Test runs, turned 75 on Wednesday. Tendulkar hailed Gavaskar as one of his heroes and for becoming “younger and energetic” day by day, and still being involved passionately with cricket.

Taking to X, Sachin wrote about his idol and “one of his special batting heroes”, “My special wishes to one of my special batting heroes, Mr. Sunil Gavaskar. You’ve crossed 75 years, my prayers for a long and healthy life. The more batters spend time at the crease, the more free-flowing they become. You are no different. You are becoming younger and more energetic by the day! To see you being as involved and as enthusiastic today about cricket, reflects how much you love the game. When an opener sets a good foundation, it becomes easy for rest of the batting order. We all were inspired by you, and in turn were able to inspire the next generation. Indian cricket owes a lot for your services, may you continue being involved with our beautiful game. Happy birthday and I’ll see you soon!”

My special wishes to one of my special batting heroes, Mr. Sunil Gavaskar. You’ve crossed 75 years, my prayers for a long and healthy life.

The more batters spend time at the crease, the more free-flowing they become. You are no different. You are becoming younger and more… pic.twitter.com/4kjngcHdGi

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 10, 2024

Gavaskar, also known as the ‘Little Master’ made his international debut for India in 1971 and went on to represent India till 1987. He was the best Test batter of his era, scoring 10,122 runs in 125 matches at an average of 51.12, with 34 centuries and 45 fifties and best score of 236*. The star batter also holds the record for most runs in a Test series as a debutant, scoring 774 runs against West Indies in a four-Test series at an average of 154.80, with four centuries and three fifties. Gavaskar has incredible statistics against West Indies, scoring 2,749 runs in 27 Tests and 48 innings at an average of 65.45, with 13 centuries and seven fifties. His best score was 236*.

Several of his historic and heroic innings in cricket’s longest and, arguably, the toughest format, came between 1971 and 1987. Through his many memorable knocks, which came on some of the least hospitable surfaces, got him among the pantheon of legends.

A distinguished member of India’s maiden World Cup-winning squad of 1983, Gahaskar once held the record for scoring the most centuries in Tests. He was also the member of the Team India which won the first Asia Cup in 1984 and the World Championship of Cricket in 1985.

Not counting wicketkeepers, he was the first Indian fielder to have achieved the milestone of a century of catches in Test cricket. For the record, he took an incredible 108 catches in his Test career.

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaska
| Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

Q: Sunil Gavaskar is the only player to have scored a century in the first innings and a double century in the second innings. Against whom and in which ground did he achieve this remarkable feat?

A: West Indies, Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, 1971

Q: In which ground did Gavaskar score his only century in ODIs and against whom?

A: Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur vs New Zealand, 1987 World Cup

Q: For which English County did Gavaskar play as their overseas cricketer in the year 1980?

A: Somerset

Q: In his test career spanning 125 tests and 198 dismissals, Gavaskar has been dismissed run out only 5 times and stumped only 2 times. Interestingly, in one series he got out of these two dismissals in successive test matches. Who was the opposition?

A: Sri Lanka in 1985

Q: Which bowler has dismissed the maestro most times in tests?

A: Derek Underwood – 12 times

Q: Gavaskar has been involved in triple century partnership in tests once. Who was his partner?

A: 344* with Dillip Vengsarkar Vs. West Indies, Kolkata, 1978

Q: Identify the batsman with whom Gavaskar has been involved in 4 century partnerships in ODIs, most with any partner?

A: Mohammad Azharuddin

It is difficult to be consistently relevant in an ever-evolving world. Unless, of course, one happens to be Sunil Gavaskar, who is celebrating the completion of 75 eventful summers in his life on Wednesday. It’s tough for today’s young cricket fans, who have grown up watching IPL big hits, to truly understand the significance of Gavaskar, as often they have a shrunken image of him — a former-cricketer-turned-commentator — in their mind.

Now, there are too many of them. Or, perhaps, it’s the recency bias.

However, Gavaskar, who tackled some of the meanest pace bowlers to have walked on earth, remains a colossus in the minds of his contemporaries, who fondly recall the greatness of the right-hand great.

“Gavaskar made his debut two years after my retirement. But we have already been told by (late) Ajit Wadekar about a talented Bombay boy who could make a lot of runs for India. Didn’t he make a lot of runs,” said former India batter Chandu Borde.

So, how did Gavaskar tame those fearsome quicks from the West Indies, right from his first series in 1971? “It’s his concentration and a water-tight technique. I have not seen a better stance than that of him, and he watched the ball so closely. Of course, he could play most of the shots but used them wisely. He was a very practical batsman, knew what to do when,” said Borde.

Gavaskar scored 774 runs in that series, helping India conquer the West Indies 1-0. ‘Lord Relator’ immortalised that triumph with a Calypso dedicated to the master batsman.

“It was Gavaskar. De real master. Just like a wall. We couldn’t out Gavaskar at all, not at all,” he wrote, and to this day it remains a goosebump-inducing number.

Gavaskar is often remembered for his mastery over pacers such as Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, and Imran Khan, but another less talked about aspect of his batting was the way he nullified spinners.

Gavaskar, who once rated England’s Derek Underwood as the toughest spinner he faced, outfoxed some of the wily tweakers of his generation like Abdul Qadir, Tauseef Ahmed from Pakistan and England’s John Emburey.

“Sunny had brilliant footwork, and could use soft hands (against spin). Since he used to watch the ball very closely, he could play spinners late and he never really got into awkward positions against them,” recalled former India middle-order batter Mohinder Amarnath, himself a slayer of pacers in the 80s.

But occasionally, he wore the enforcer’s garb too.

He creamed Marshall for a six to equal the then world record of 29 Test hundreds held by the legendary Sir Donald Bradman.

In fact, Gavaskar’s 103, his lone ODI century, against New Zealand during the 1987 World Cup, came off 88 balls.

“Perhaps, the need of that time forced Gavaskar to go defensive while playing for India. But he could always dominate attacks and he often did that in the domestic circuit. He could pull and hook with as much ease as anyone else,” says former Mumbai batter Milind Regge.

Gavaskar carried that versatility and adaptability to the commentary box as well, and added a touch of subtle humour to it.

Rewind to the way he teased former England pacer Jade Dernbach, who carried the reputation of an excellent death over bowler, after he was carted around by Indian batters in a T20I.

“Dernbach is a death overs specialist, isn’t it?” he mischievously asked former England batter-turned-commentator Michael Vaughan with a soft chuckle.

“Sunny bhai is always a chirpy presence in the box. There is no dull moment around him. He is a bundle of anecdotes and never really afraid to speak his mind,” tells a former cricketer, who has spent several hours of airtime with Gavaskar.

“He has strong opinions about cricketing matters, and supports Indian cricket quite vociferously. Perhaps, it comes from the time he played cricket.

“You know, the time when world cricket was dominated by England and Australia. Now, he wants to see the wheel come to a full circle,” he averred.

It indeed has come full circle for Gavaskar as well.

Sunil Gavaskar, who turned 75 on Wednesday, batted against some great fast bowlers without a helmet.
| Photo Credit: Getty Images

For a man, who loved his centuries, Wednesday will usher in a 75. Sunil Gavaskar, one of cricket’s greatest batters, would rather take it one day at a time, just like he did while countering speed merchants and wily spinners, dealing with them one delivery at a time.

The former India captain, the first man to scale ‘Mount 10000’ in Tests, will clock 75 summers and remains connected to the willow-game. This is an umbilical cord he retains, first as a player till he bowed out in 1987, and now as a broadcaster.

Recency bias

Many in the younger generation, who have only seen him as a commentator, may tend to associate him entirely with that role. A reality that even Richie Benaud had to deal with. May be recency bias is at play or in these days of abbreviated words, Instagram reels and two-minute noodles, memory is short.

Test opener Sunil Gavaskar came out of retirement to appear in the ‘Venkat’ benefit match at Chepauk, while the West Indian skipper Viv Richards donned the ‘keeper’s gloves at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Madras on January 27, 1988.
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu Archives

But for those who have seen him bat, Gavaskar was about eternity at the crease. In this era of flash-and-dash right from the openers through the middle-order to the finishers, he was that old-fashioned fixed deposit in a reputed bank.

Money was safe and hope was forever. When he batted with fellow openers like the late Chetan Chauhan, Anshuman Gaekwad or K. Srikkanth, and middle-order stalwarts like G.R. Viswanath, Dilip Vengsarkar and Mohinder Amarnath, India knew it had a chance, especially with all-rounder Kapil Dev stepping in too.

S.L. Khurana, Governor of Tamil Nadu greets Sunil Gavaskar on the eve of 100th cricket Test match as Kapil Dev looks on.
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu Archives

A straight bat and a steely resolve was second nature to Gavaskar. One of the few along with the great Viv Richards to bat without a helmet, the opener did experiment with a skull-cap briefly towards the twilight of his career. However, the recurrent image about him is the floppy hat and a bat seemingly broad enough to guard a fortress!

The numbers were staggering at the time when he retired. 10,122 Test runs and 34 hundreds. A yield of 3092 in ODIs and a lone ton. And an overall First Class accumulation of 25,834. The Test statistic places Gavaskar in the 13th spot while fellow Mumbaikar Sachin Tendulkar occupies the throne.

When the mood took over, Gavaskar could take apart the most dangerous attacks. He did it once in Delhi to equal the then world record of 29 Test centuries held by Sir Don Bradman.

File picture of Sunil Gavaskar during the Sportstar Aces Award 2024 held in Mumbai
| Photo Credit:
EMMANUAL YOGINI

This was 1983 and he was hooking Malcolm Marshall and when he got his ton, the star had no clue until non-striker Vengsarkar said: “Bleddy hell, you did it.”

Fountain of anecdotes

Now busy as a commentator, Gavaskar is often the last word on batsmanship. Off the field, he is a fountain of anecdotes, has an impish sense of humour, does a lot for charity, especially for ageing sportspersons, and tends to get reverential while talking about Prakash Padukone because badminton is a favourite sport. Happy birthday Master, and may the years ahead be filled with more cricketing magic.

Legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar lauded Rohit Sharma for leading the side to winning the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, saying that the opener is a people’s captain, just like how MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev were. Rohit had been a member of India winning 2007 T20 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy. As a captain, he finished as runners-up in 2023 ODI World Cup and World Test Championship. But Rohit finally got his date with destiny when India beat South Africa by seven runs to win the T20 World Cup at Kensington Oval last month.

Shortly after announcing his T20I retirement, Rohit called the 2024 T20 World Cup win, which India won as an unbeaten team in the competition, as the greatest achievement of his playing career. “Rohit Sharma joins those other two cricketing giants, Kapil Dev and Dhoni in captaining India to a World Cup trophy. Like the duo were, Rohit is also a people’s captain.

“Well liked, not only by his team members, but by the entire Indian cricketing community. The cricket fans also love his laconic style of leadership and tactically, he is as good as the sharpest in the game. Some of his moves can surprise you and make you scratch your head as to the reason, but the end result is more often than not exactly what the team needed at that moment,” wrote Gavaskar in his column for mid-day on Sunday.

In the tournament, Rohit amassed 257 runs at a strike rate of 156.70, and took on the responsibility of giving India fast starts with the bat – with his fifties against Australia and England being crucial.

“He led from the front, showing a complete disregard for personal milestones and instead looked to get the team off to a flying start every time. India are blessed to have him as their captain,” added Gavaskar.

He also lauded the captain-coach combination of Rohit and Rahul Dravid leading India to elusive trophy glory. “While the players naturally took all the limelight as they should, there was the support staff led by the one and only Rahul Dravid who also had a massive role to play in the victory. What a terrific combo the two Rs made. Totally team-oriented, completely selfless, and prepared to do anything and everything for Team India.”

India clinched the T20 World Cup 2024 title© AFP