Sunil Gavaskar: The Legendary Cricketer and Commentator

Sunil Gavaskar is one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, known for his impeccable technique, resilience, and unmatched records. Born on July 10, 1949, in Mumbai, India, he revolutionized Indian cricket with his fearless batting against the world’s best bowlers. His contributions as a player and commentator have made him a respected figure in the cricketing world.

Early Life of Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar was passionate about cricket from a young age. He studied at St. Xavier’s High School in Mumbai, where his talent was first recognized. His outstanding performances in school and college cricket paved the way for his entry into domestic cricket.

His breakthrough came when he scored heavily in domestic tournaments, leading to his selection in the Indian team. He made an immediate impact with his technique and patience, proving himself against top-quality bowling attacks.

International Debut of Sunil Gavaskar

• Test Debut: March 6, 1971, vs West Indies
• ODI Debut: July 13, 1974, vs England

Gavaskar’s international career started with a bang, as he scored a record-breaking 774 runs in his debut Test series against the West Indies in 1971. This performance remains one of the greatest debuts in cricket history.

Teams Sunil Gavaskar Played In

• India National Cricket Team
• Mumbai (Domestic Cricket)
• Rest of the World XI
• India U-25 Team

Records of Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar set numerous records during his career, some of which stood for decades:

• First cricketer to score 10,000 Test runs
• Most centuries (34) in Test cricket at the time of his retirement
• Most runs in a single Test series (774 vs West Indies, 1971)
• Only cricketer to score centuries in both innings of a Test match three times
• First Indian batsman to carry his bat through a completed Test innings

Awards of Sunil Gavaskar

• Padma Bhushan (1980)
• Arjuna Award (1975)
• ICC Cricket Hall of Fame Inductee (2009)
• C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award (2012)

Sunil Gavaskar’s Journey in World Cups

ODI cricket was not his strongest format, but Gavaskar played in multiple World Cups and was part of India’s historic 1983 World Cup-winning squad. Although he wasn’t at his best in ODIs, his leadership and experience played a vital role in shaping the team.

Sunil Gavaskar’s Rivalries With Great Bowlers

Gavaskar was one of the few batsmen who dominated the fiercest fast bowlers of his era:

• Malcolm Marshall (West Indies): A battle of technique vs pace
• Dennis Lillee (Australia): Known for intense on-field duels
• Andy Roberts (West Indies): One of the toughest bowlers Gavaskar faced
• Imran Khan (Pakistan): A thrilling contest between bat and ball

Sunil Gavaskar’s Transition to Commentary

After retiring in 1987, Gavaskar became a highly respected cricket commentator. His deep knowledge of the game, sharp analysis, and straightforward opinions have made him one of the most influential voices in cricket broadcasting.

Sunil Gavaskar’s Aggressive Moments

Although he was known for his calm demeanor, Gavaskar had a few intense moments:

• 1979 Walk-Off vs Australia: Almost left the field after an umpiring decision
• Verbal Spat with Umpires: Challenged controversial decisions during his playing days
• Blunt Criticism of Players: Even after retirement, his sharp criticism often sparks debates

Salary of Sunil Gavaskar

Even after retiring, Gavaskar remains one of the highest-paid figures in cricket media:

• Commentary Salary: ₹6-8 crore per year
• Match Analysis & Writing: Additional income from expert columns
• Brand Endorsements: ₹10+ crore annually

Cars Owned by Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar has always had a taste for luxury cars:

• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• BMW 5 Series
• Audi A6

Sunil Gavaskar’s Brand Endorsements

Even years after retirement, Gavaskar continues to be a sought-after brand ambassador:

• CEAT Tyres (Bat sponsorship and awards)
• SG Cricket (Cricket equipment)
• Star Sports (Commentary and analysis)

Life After Retirement: Sunil Gavaskar’s Future Plans

Though still active in cricket broadcasting, Gavaskar has shown interest in other ventures:

• Mentoring young cricketers
• Writing books on cricket
• Cricket administration roles

Sunil Gavaskar’s Charity and Social Work

Gavaskar is also involved in social work and charity:

• Runs a foundation supporting underprivileged children
• Regularly donates to cricket development programs
• Supports initiatives for former cricketers in need

FAQs About Sunil Gavaskar

Q1. What is Sunil Gavaskar’s highest score in Test cricket?
A: 236* vs West Indies in 1983

Q2. How many centuries has Sunil Gavaskar scored in international cricket?
A: 35 centuries (34 in Tests, 1 in ODIs)

Q3. Has Sunil Gavaskar ever captained India?
A: Yes, he captained India in 47 Test matches.

Q4. Why is Sunil Gavaskar considered a cricket legend?
A: His record-breaking performances and fearless batting against the best bowlers make him one of the greatest cricketers.

Q5. Is Sunil Gavaskar still involved in cricket?
A: Yes, he is an active commentator and cricket analyst.

Sunil Gavaskar remains an icon in world cricket, inspiring generations with his achievements, insights, and dedication to the game.