Sunil Gavaskar: His best scores and what other players say about this little master (Let’s talk on his birthday)

featured image courtesy: Sunil Gavaskar’s official instagram account

The Little Master’s Grand Symphony: Gavaskar’s Greatest Scores and the Reverence They Inspired

There’s something uniquely enchanting about a batting maestro. They don’t just score runs; they compose innings, each stroke a note, each boundary a crescendo. And when you speak of composers of the highest order in cricket, the name Sunil Manohar Gavaskar rings with the clarity of a perfectly timed straight drive.

On his 76th birthday on July 10th, let’s dive into the artistry of the “Little Master” and hear what the world’s cricketing elite had to say about his enduring genius.

Gavaskar, on field, wasn’t about brute force or flamboyant aerial assaults. He was about impregnable defence, unwavering concentration, and a technique so pure it could be taught in a textbook, then displayed in a museum. In an era when fast bowlers were akin to fire-breathing dragons, and helmets were still a futuristic fantasy, Gavaskar faced them down with a cap and a steely gaze. He didn’t just survive; he thrived, piling on runs against the most fearsome attacks the game has ever seen.

Scores That Echo Through Time:

While every one of his 34 Test centuries (a record at the time, later surpassed by a certain Sachin Tendulkar) was a testament to his skill, some innings stand out like glittering jewels in his crown:

• 236 vs West Indies, Chennai, 1983:* This wasn’t just his highest Test score; it was a defiant statement against the very West Indian pace quartet he had faced countless times. Against Roberts, Marshall, Holding, and the ilk, this monumental effort underscored his resilience and ability to not just weather the storm but conquer it. Imagine the sheer mental fortitude required!
• 221 vs England, The Oval, 1979: This was the chase that almost was. Set an improbable 438, Gavaskar led India’s charge, almost single-handedly, with a masterful 221. While India fell agonizingly short, drawing the game, the innings was a testament to his ability to play with aggression when the situation demanded, showcasing a rarely seen, yet potent, attacking facet of his game.
• 220 vs West Indies, Port of Spain, 1971: In his debut series in the Caribbean, Gavaskar literally announced his arrival with a bang. Two centuries in the same Test, including this brilliant double, in only his third Test match, against the West Indies at their home turf. This wasn’t just a dream debut; it was the birth of a legend. He scored an astonishing 774 runs in that series at an average of 154.80 – a record for an Indian in a Test series that still stands! Talk about hitting the ground running… or rather, batting with supreme elegance.
• 103 vs New Zealand, World Cup 1987:* While known primarily for his Test heroics, Gavaskar showed glimpses of his limited-overs prowess too. This quickfire century in a World Cup group stage match was a delightful surprise, proving he could shift gears when needed, albeit later in his career.

What the World Said About The Little Master:

His contemporaries and those who followed him in the cricketing arena have been effusive in their praise, often laced with a sense of awe at his sheer tenacity.

• Viv Richards, the “King” himself, once remarked: “You couldn’t get through him unless he made a mistake.” This succinctly captures Gavaskar’s near-impenetrable technique and supreme concentration.
• Imran Khan, the legendary Pakistani captain and all-rounder, stated: “He was one of the few batsmen who I could never intimidate.” Coming from a bowler of Imran’s caliber, that’s perhaps the highest compliment imaginable for an opening batsman.
• Dennis Lillee, the fiery Australian fast bowler, famously said: “If I could bowl to one batsman for the rest of my life, it would be Gavaskar. He was an absolute joy to watch because he was always challenging you.” The respect from a bowler who relished hostile contests speaks volumes.
• Ian Chappell, the astute Australian captain and commentator, noted: “Gavaskar was the most complete batsman I’ve seen against pace and bounce. He never flinched.” His courage, especially without a helmet, against the West Indian quicks, is a recurring theme in any discussion about him.
• Even the current generation acknowledges his legacy. Shubman Gill, who recently broke some of Gavaskar’s records, speaks with respect for the benchmarks set by the Little Master. It’s a passing of the torch, where the new generation stands on the shoulders of giants.

Sunil Gavaskar, on field, was more than just a prolific run-scorer; he was a pioneer. He showed India and the world that an Indian batsman could not only compete but dominate the fiercest bowling attacks globally.

He laid the foundation for the batting dynasties that followed, instilling a belief that excellence was not just achievable, but expected. His wit, both on and off the field, and his wisdom about the game continue to inspire. So, here’s to the “Little Master,” whose grand symphony of scores and unyielding spirit will forever resonate in the annals of cricket.