Sunil Gavaskar turned 75 on Wednesday, marking another important life milestone. His renowned achievements with the bat were remembered with reverence on social media, where there was an outpouring of good wishes for him.
Considered one of the greatest batters to have played the game, the Mumbaikar was the first to reach the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket.
“Happy Birthday, Sunil Gavaskar! Your batting technique was so perfect that you could play aggressively and defensively with equal ease. Best wishes for everything and have a wonderful year ahead!” wrote BCCI secretary Jay Shah on ‘X’.
Gavaskar became a widely-respected commentator after the end of his illustrious cricketing career, narrating the nuances of the sport and giving his critical analysis one series after another through his syndicated columns and TV appearances.
The Indian cricket team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, congratulated Gavaskar on his milestone and stated that the great batsman laid the groundwork for India’s success in other countries.
“The Little Master turns 75 today. Wishing Sunil Gavaskar, the man who paved the way for Team India’s batting revolution, a very happy birthday,” wrote RCB on ‘X’.
Gavaskar, who faced the most fearsome bowlers in the world but shunned the helmet, preferring to play with a padded floppy hat instead.
He was given an apt tribute by IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, which said on its social media post: “We tip our Hats to you, Legend. Happy Birthday to the man who brought Sunny Days to Indian Cricket.”
Former India pace bowler Munaf Patel wished Gavaskar many more years of health.
“Happy Birthday Suni (sic) Sir. Wishing you a healthy life ahead,” wrote Munaf.
Gavaskar, who was born in 1949, met the formidable West Indies bowlers in 1971 and had a tough debut.
His final Test match was in 1987 against Pakistan. He was part of the ‘Kapil’s Devils’ team that won the 1983 World Cup in England, defeating the highly decorated West Indies in the championship match.
