Regarded as one of the greatest openers of all time, India’s original little master Sunil Gavaskar turns 69 today (July 10). Sunil Gavaskar rose up to fame by playing for clubs like Dadar Union, Mumbai University and Bombay (Mumbai) before making his India debut.
Gavaskar made his India debut in 1971 against the mighty West Indies and despite missing the first Test of the five-match series, scored a still-standing record haul of 774 runs including a century and a double century in his first series. From then on, he went onto break record after record, also featuring in India’s 1983 World Cup win in England and leading India to the World Series win in Australia in 1985.
Gavaskar broke Sir Don Bradman’s long-standing record of 29 centuries and was the first man to reach 30 centuries. He was also the first man to reach 10,000 Test runs and at the time of his retirement had played the most Tests for India. Gavaskar played 125 Tests, scored 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12 with 34 centuries. In 108 ODIs, Gavaskar scored 3092 runs with a single century, which came at a blistering pace against New Zealand in the 1987 World Cup.
Gavaskar was known for playing with great ease and effectiveness off both front and back foot, had an outstanding judgment of length and line and was beautifully balanced. He played all the great fast bowlers of his time without wearing a helmet and continued to do so until his retirement in 1987.
Since his retirement, Sunil Gavaskar has turned towards commentary and is one of the most jovial and knowledgeable commentators today.
On July 10, 2018, he turns 69 and the Indian cricketers took to Twitter to salute and celebrate the great man on his birthday.
Here are some tweets:
आपल्या कौशल्यपूर्ण खेळीने क्रिकेटच्या मैदानावर असंख्य सामने जिंकून, चाहत्यांची मने जिंकणार्या, महान क्रिकेटपटू, Sunil Gavaskar, यांना वाढदिवसाच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा. तुम्हाला पुढील वर्ष सुखाचे जावो. pic.twitter.com/R2TXZEafqA
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 10, 2018
Happy Birthday to the batting maestro #SunilGavaskar sir! You made the life easier for the past, present and future generations batsmen by decoding the batting technique ???????? pic.twitter.com/pPsjcAXqkh
— Murali Vijay (@mvj888) July 10, 2018
Many many happy returns of d day 2 u Sir #SunilGavaskar ???????? Wish u a super one nd May God bless u nd ur family members always ???? pic.twitter.com/leeZCSOUAU
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) July 10, 2018
This lyrics of the song still rhymes in my head as I think of a perfect tribute to the little master..
— surya77 (@surya_14kumar) July 10, 2018
“It was Gavaskar
De real master
Just like a wall
We couldn't out Gavaskar at all, not at all...”
Happy birthday, Sir! #SunilGavaskar pic.twitter.com/tBN4n6t3Z1
Today, #SunnySideUp ,for a man who taught a- not very high on confidence generation , 'Fusfusana Band-India bano Dabanng'. He was truly a Dabanng for his courage to face bowlers who looked like killing you,without any fear and protective gear.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 10, 2018
Happy Birthday Sunil Gavaskar. pic.twitter.com/UDxL12QsrQ
Birthday Greetings to my childhood hero and inspiration, Sunil Gavaskar. Playing fearlessly against the most fearsome bowlers in their own conditions, he instilled courage and belief in many young Indian batsmen. Have a great day and year ahead, Sunny Bhai pic.twitter.com/Odv84zHKPA
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 10, 2018
Happy Birthday to the man who inspired a generation of Cricket lovers. The man who defined a new era in batsmanship with his courage and skills. Happy Birthday Sunil Gavaskar sir ! pic.twitter.com/WxyXk6AiGg
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 10, 2018
Wishing the man with a flair, batting maestro, the little master - Mr. Sunil Gavaskar a very Happy Birthday! pic.twitter.com/lrfuN0MApi
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 10, 2018
To the #legend of Indian Cricket, Mr.Sunil Gavaskar- wishing you a very happy birthday sir... #HappyBirthdaySunilGavaskar pic.twitter.com/iBbWOqthO9
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) July 10, 2018
