New Delhi: Famous as ‘Little Master’ in his era and one of world’s greatest-ever batsmen Sunil Gavaskar turned 67 today.
Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar today took to Twitter to congratulate his idol and cricketing legend Gavaskar.
Former cricketer Virender Sehwag also congratulated Gavaskar on his special day in his own witty style, comparing him to Gabbar from the movie Sholay.
Meanwhile, the BCCI called him the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’.
While representing India between 1971 and 1987, the legendary batsman played 125 Tests in which amassed 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12 that included 34 centuries and 45 half centuries.
He also played 108 ODIs in which he scored 3,092 runs at an average of 35.13 with one ton and 27 half-centuries.
Moreover, Gavaskar served as the team’s skipper in 47 Test matches and 37 ODIs.
Let’s take a look at some of the lesser known facts about one of the greatest batsmen India has ever had.
- Counted among one of the best batsmen in the world, Gavaskar was the first man to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket.
- In December 1983, he broke Sir Don Bradman’s record of most Test centuries and became the first player to score 30 Test hundreds.
- Gavaskar still holds the record of scoring most runs as an opener in Test cricket – 9,607 runs with 33 centuries.
- He also holds the record of scoring most runs in a debut Test series – 774 runs against West Indies in 1971.
- In the same series against West Indies, he also became the top Indian player to score most runs in an Indian series. The record remains unbeaten till date.
- After Sir Don Bradman, Gavaskar is the second batsman to score most centuries against a particular opponent – 13 against West Indies. Bradman has smashed 19 centuries against England.
