Indian cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar wished fellow batting icon Sunil Gavaskar a happy 75th birthday on Wednesday. Tendulkar remarked that Gavaskar has been an inspiration to future generations of Indian cricket, and the sport in India owes him a great deal for his contributions.
Sunil Gavaskar, renowned as one of India’s finest Test batsmen and the first player to surpass 10,000 Test runs, celebrated his 75th birthday on Wednesday. Sachin Tendulkar praised Gavaskar, calling him one of his heroes and admiring how he seems to become “younger and more energetic” each day, while still passionately engaged with cricket.
“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!”, Sachin wrote on X.
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
The OG ‘Little Master’, made his international debut for India in 1971 and played until 1987. He was the premier Test batsman of his time, amassing 10,122 runs in 125 matches at an average of 51.12, including 34 centuries and 45 fifties, with a top score of 236*. Gavaskar also holds the record for the most runs in a Test series by a debutant, scoring 774 runs against the West Indies in a four-Test series at an average of 154.80, with four centuries and three fifties. Against the West Indies, his record is remarkable, with 2,749 runs in 27 Tests and 48 innings at an average of 65.45, including 13 centuries and seven fifties. His highest score was 236*.
Many of Gavaskar’s historic and heroic innings in cricket’s longest and arguably most challenging format occurred between 1971 and 1987. His numerous unforgettable performances, often on some of the most difficult pitches, cemented his place among the legends of the game.
A notable member of India’s inaugural World Cup-winning team in 1983, Sunil Gavaskar once held the record for the most centuries in Test cricket. He was also part of the Indian team that clinched the first Asia Cup in 1984 and won the World Championship of Cricket in 1985.
