Former Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar was amongst the elite opening batsmen of his era, scoring tons of runs against top-quality bowling attacks in all conditions. Sunil Gavaskar was also the first batsman to cross the milestone of 10000 runs in Test cricket and accumulated 10122 in 125 Tests at 51.12 alongside 34 centuries with a highest score of 236*. The 6th of March 2021 marked 50 years of his international debut.
On this grand occasion, Sunil Gavaskar got felicitated by the BCCI’s secretary Jay Shah at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where India and England are competing in a Test match. The BCCI awarded the 71-year old veteran with a cap as the jampacked stadium also rose to its feet to laud the legend for his accomplishments. Gavaskar is also in the commentary box for the ongoing Test series between the two sides.
Sunil Gavaskar remarked that renowned Bollywood actor Amitabh Bacchan remains the greatest icon while the evergreen Kishore Kumar is also the same. Thus, he feels humbled to be considered in the same bracket as them. Gavaskar, who scored 774 runs in his debut Test series, expressed that there was elation at being to finally wear India’s cap. However, there was nervousness as well since they were playing against Gary Sobers’ team. The right-handed batsman added that against the best team, he did not wanted to make a fool of himself. Thus, even 400 runs would have felt a significant achievement.
“Mr Bachchan still is India’s greatest icon and the late Kishore Kumar is evergreen and unforgettable. So if you ask me, I am humbled to have been even thought of in the same bracket. There was elation at finally being able to wear my country’s cap. There was nervousness too because we were playing a team led by the greatest, Sir Gary Sobers. It sure took a long time to sink. All I wanted at that stage was not to make a fool of myself. If I had scored even 350 to 400 runs I would have been satisfied,” Gavaskar told PTI in an interview.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Sunil Gavaskar’s 50 years of international debut:
Today marks 50 years since Sunil Gavaskar made his test debut. I write about a cricket legend who changed the sport on and off the field.. May wish to read/share. https://t.co/eZk88ZFZ0Z
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) March 6, 2021
50 years since the great Sunil Gavaskar made his test debut and announced himself to the world. My elder brother @bhogle used to keep a scrap book and that is how I got drawn in. Gavaskar soon became a symbol of hope for us. I followed Indian cricket through his performances.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 6, 2021
A tribute to My Idol! 🏏🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/l6nP89pUQi
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 6, 2021
My hero – Our hero. 50 years since Sunny bhai made his debut. The original superstar of Indian cricket. Then, now, forever. Such a luxury to have him so close to the game even now. Stay healthy, happy and evergreen Sunny bhai .. #Legend #Inspiration #Respect pic.twitter.com/3zexjRyw1F
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 6, 2021
50 yrs of sunny sir.. Congratulations Sir .. thank you for inspiring generations of cricketers #50yearsofsunnysir pic.twitter.com/PiBqbzX9lA
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 6, 2021
#OnThisDay 50 years ago Sunny G made his Test debut….his cricket journey has inspired and enthralled millions like me. I took up opening the batting because of him….I owe a part of my India Cap to you, paji. Thank You 😊 Keep Shining. Keep smiling. #50yearsOfSunny pic.twitter.com/ckiUlqkf0r
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 6, 2021
Glorious 50 years Sir. Big congratulations 👏 #SunilGavaskar pic.twitter.com/iEZ40ePBQp
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) March 6, 2021
50 SUNNY YEARS !! Long live the legend !! Our childhood hero and the original little master !! Thank you so much for the wonderful memories and keeping the Indian flag 🇮🇳 flying high #SunilGavaskar 🙏🙏 @BCCI @rohangava9
— Mithun Manhas (@MithunManhas) March 6, 2021
Congratulations Sunny Sir for 50 years of inspiring young generation. #legend #fearless pic.twitter.com/C6DRkFlLPD
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 6, 2021
Fifty years of an outstanding journey of Sunny Sir. Thank you for inspiring us & making us all proud of everything you have done for the country & the field of cricket. Wishing you the best always! #50yearsOfSunnysir pic.twitter.com/0MBs6DghsJ
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) March 6, 2021
Absolute privilege to share commentary box with #SunilGavaskar .50 years ago, #SunnyBhai made his Test debut and the best thing about the living legend is that he still wants to learn something new from the game. pic.twitter.com/6Od9xchGxq
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) March 6, 2021
