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Shubman Gill Hits Century at Edgbaston, Joins Kohli and Gavaskar in Elite Captaincy Club

July 2, 2025, 11:22 pm

India Test captain Shubman Gill marked his place in the history books again with a breathtaking unbeaten 114 on Day 1 of the second England Test at Edgbaston. With this century, his seventh overall in Test cricket and second in captaincy, Gill became part of a rare club of Indian legends who have scored hundreds in both their first two tests as captain’s something only Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli had managed before.

The 25-year-old completed the follow-up to his 147 in the first Test in Leeds with another masterclass at Birmingham, cementing his credentials as a leader and run-machine in the red-ball game. Gill’s century was achieved in challenging conditions after England chose to bowl first on cloudy days. India were 310/5 in 85 overs at the end of Day 1, with Gill and Ravindra Jadeja (41*) together at the crease, having laid a solid platform for the visitors.

A Record-Breaking Streak for Shubman Gill as Test Captain

Gill’s back-to-back centuries as captain have placed him alongside Indian cricket legends. Vijay Hazare struck 164* and 155 in his first two Tests as captain in 1951. Sunil Gavaskar followed suit with scores of 116 and 205 in his early days as skipper. Virat Kohli, the most recent before Gill, smashed 115, 141, and 147 in his first two Tests as leader during India’s 2014-15 Australia tour.

Gill’s knock at Edgbaston was also his first century at the venue, making him only the fifth Indian to score a Test hundred at this iconic ground. He joins the elite company of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja all of whom have left their mark at Edgbaston in previous tours.

Building the Innings Amid Early Setbacks

India’s top order had to weather a fiery English pace attack early on. KL Rahul departed for just 2, while Karun Nair contributed 31 before falling to Brydon Carse. Yashasvi Jaiswal provided early momentum with a fluent 87, but it was Gill who held the innings together with composure and patience.

The Indian skipper took 216 deliveries to get to 114*, showcasing his maturity in handling pressure and grinding out runs. He struck 12 boundaries in a knock that blended elegance with grit.

Rishabh Pant added a quick 25, while Nitish Reddy managed only a single before falling to Chris Woakes. Jadeja joined Gill at 211/5 and the pair steered India safely to stumps.

Shubman Gill Sets Stage for Day 2 Dominance

India will aim to build a massive first-innings total on Day 2 with Gill still unbeaten and looking in sublime form. With support from Jadeja and a deep batting lineup that includes Washington Sundar, the visitors have a strong chance to control the game early.

As captain, Shubman Gill continues to lead from the front, not just with strategies but with bat in hand a sign that Indian cricket’s future is in formidable hands.

IPL 2025 Final: Sunil Gavaskar Slams Umpires for Ignoring Virat Kohli’s Dangerous Pitch Act

June 3, 2025, 9:54 pm

In the high-voltage IPL 2025 final between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar strongly criticised the on-field umpires. He slammed them for ignoring what he described as “a dangerous act” by Virat Kohli.

The incident took place during the 12th over of RCB’s innings. Kohli completed a quick second run off Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling. However, while doing so, he ran straight down the centre of the pitch.

Gavaskar, who was on live commentary at the time, openly questioned the lack of action. He argued that such running could potentially damage the pitch. This, in turn, could affect conditions for the team batting second.

RCB Post 190/9 in 20 Overs in IPL 2025 Final

RCB were left to bat by PBKS at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With boundaries elusive, Kohli was keen to keep the scoreboard moving through singles and twos in a hurry. In the 12th over, having pushed the ball past long-on, Kohli asked for a second run. His batting partner, Liam Livingstone, safely grounded with a dive at the non-striker’s end.

However, Gavaskar was quick to point out that Kohli had run straight down the pitch, which is typically frowned upon due to the potential damage it can cause to the playing surface. “Kohli is a swift runner between the wickets. As soon as he hit the ball, he knew it was two,” Gavaskar said. “No umpire will ever tell him. There he is, running straight down the pitch again. Punjab Kings are batting second,” he added.

RCB was finally able to muster a challenging score of 190/9 in their 20 overs, leaving their bowlers something to hold on to in this high-impact encounter in the 2025 IPL Final.

Though the umpires refrained from stepping in, Gavaskar’s comments have initiated discussion on if big players ever get away with these things.

Conservative Kohli Approach Draws Reactions

Besides the pitch controversy, Kohli’s batting strategy also came under criticism. Famous for his high strike rate this season about 150 he adopted a more prudent path in the final. Rather than taking risks and smashing those big shots, he aimed at rotating the strike and giving more opportunities to power-hitters such as Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar.

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden, who was part of the English broadcast team, questioned the approach. “200 is just a par score here,” he noted, suggesting Kohli should’ve been more aggressive.

Kohli then got out in the 15th over to Azmatullah Omarzai after scoring 43 off 35 balls. At the first strategic time-out, RCB coaches Andy Flower and Dinesh Karthik were noticed having a heated discussion with Kohli, probably asking him to pick up the pace of scoring.

PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl first. Both sides were unchanged for the final.

Sunil Gavaskar Dismisses Impact of Security Drills on IPL Amid Political Tensions

May 6, 2025, 10:24 pm

The ties between India and Pakistan have taken a downturn after the terror attack in Pahalgam. The political tensions that are on the rise have once again placed the cricketing relations between the two nations in the spotlight, and it is not certain at present whether they will compete against each other in international games. India and Pakistan have not been engaged in a bilateral series in almost a decade, and several former India cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, have also demanded a full boycott in the wake of the attacks.

MHA Issues Directive for Preparedness

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a recent directive to state governments to hold drills so they are prepared for any type of attack. Nevertheless, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar opines that the drills will never affect the current Indian Premier League (IPL) and further stated that there is no cause for concern whatsoever.

Reassurance on IPL Impact

“Till something happens, I don’t think it’ll impact the IPL. Yes, in the evening, when the match is being played, there will be, of course, perhaps the lights-off drill in the city. Then I think that could be a little bit of a concern,” Gavaskar told Sports Today. “But as of now, I don’t see the drill really affecting the IPL. I think, look, everybody here in India is feeling really safe and secure. There’s no need to worry. I mean, we have the utmost faith in our armed forces, and we have so much love and affection for them,” he added.

Sunil Gavaskar on Pakistan’s Participation in Asia Cup

Earlier, a number of former Pakistani cricketers, headed by batting legend Javed Miandad, have felt great disappointment with recent remarks by Indian cricket great Sunil Gavaskar on Pakistan playing in the upcoming Asia Cup.

Gavaskar, in an interview with a news channel, signaled that in light of the present political situation, it was very unlikely Pakistan would participate in the tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. He pointed out that the BCCI has always been guided by the Indian government’s instructions, indicating that political friction could keep Pakistan out of the event.

There are fresh tensions between the two countries after a terror strike that killed 26 tourists in Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of backing terrorists, suspended the Indus Water Treaty that has been in place for decades, and threatened wider retaliatory measures.

Miandad and Qasim Respond to Comments by Sunil Gavaskar

Reacting to Gavaskar’s comments, Miandad voiced disbelief. “I can’t believe Sunny bhai said this,” he told telecomasia.net, recalling their long-standing camaraderie on and off the field. “He’s a respectful, down-to-earth person who always stayed away from politics.” Former spinner Iqbal Qasim echoed the sentiment, saying he initially thought the statement was misattributed. “Gavaskar is a responsible figure loved on both sides of the border. Politics should not mix with sports,” he stated.

Sunil Gavaskar Questions Pakistan’s Asia Cup Future Amid Uncertainty

May 3, 2025, 4:17 pm

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has expressed grave reservations regarding Pakistan’s involvement in the forthcoming Asia Cup due to continued political tensions between India and Pakistan. These tensions have mounted after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 tourists.

India and Sri Lanka will co-host this year’s Asia Cup, but the venues and dates are yet to be confirmed. It has been reported in recent times that the tournament could not be held as the diplomatic situation is delicate.

ACC Could Be Dissolved, Gavaskar Predicts

In a chat with Sports Today, Gavaskar pointed to the probability that the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) would not be around if things continued as they are.

“I don’t know how it will be. It may be that the Asian Cricket Council may well be dissolved, and you may just have a three-nation tour, that may well have a three-nation tournament, or a four-nation tournament with possibly Hong Kong or UAE being invited. So that may well happen, the Asian Cricket Council may well be dissolved. But I feel it is subject to what happens in the next few months,” he said.

Gavaskar also said that the BCCI usually acts according to the instructions of the Indian government in matters related to Pakistan.

“BCCI’s attitude has always been what the government of India instructs them to do. So I don’t think that it would be any different when it comes to the Asia Cup. India and Sri Lanka are hosting this edition of the Asia Cup, so it is just a matter of whether things have changed at all, but if things haven’t changed, then I don’t see Pakistan now being included in the Asia Cup, which is going to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.”

India Can Host Alternate Multi-Nation Tournament

Gavaskar suggested that if India pulls out of the Asia Cup or the ACC, an alternative multi-nation tournament can be held. This tournament could feature other teams from Asia such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, and could be hosted in India.

“It may very well happen that India chooses to withdraw from the Asian Cricket Council may very well happen. We can say fine we’re going to have a 4 nation tournament or a 5 nation tournament in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and it may be, it may very well be that if the tournament is being held in Bangladesh, the tournament is being held in Sri Lanka, but of course India is going to host, then India will host it in India,” Gavaskar further said.

No Sports During Political Turmoil

Looking at the tense India-Pakistan relationship, Gavaskar reiterated how challenging it was to sustain sports diplomacy during this time.

“I won’t be surprised in the least if the Asian Cricket Council gets dissolved with what has been going on. I mean if you’ve got two nations, you know, fighting against the other fellow, then it’s, it’s a little bit tough to, to play sport with each other,” he elaborated.

While tensions continue to simmer and uncertainty hangs over the fate of the Asia Cup and the ACC, Gavaskar’s comments provide a frank insight into the complicated overlap of cricket and geopolitics in the region.

Vinod Kambli Receives Lifeline from Sunil Gavaskar: Rs 30,000 Every Month

April 15, 2025, 7:27 pm

Budding young cricketer Vinod Kambli, an erstwhile India sportsman famous for his virtuoso performance on the cricket pitch and intrinsic relationship with Sachin Tendulkar, is currently undergoing extreme medical and financial hardships.

Vinod Kambli, who played for India in 104 ODIs and 17 Tests, made headlines recently after there were reports of his poor health and financial situation. Doctors admitted him to Akruti Hospital in Thane on December 21, 2024, after he was diagnosed with a urinary infection and muscle cramps.

Gavaskar Lends Financial Lifeline to Vinod Kambli

In the face of increasing worry over his health, cricketing great and commentator Sunil Gavaskar has come forward to offer support. While inaugurating Ramakant Achrekar’s memorial at Shivaji Park, Mumbai, in December 2024, Gavaskar had promised to assist Kambli—and he has now kept his word.

As per a Times of India report (cited by Times Now), Gavaskar’s CHAMPS Foundation will pay Kambli a monthly amount of ₹30,000, along with yearly medical assistance of ₹30,000.

The two cricketers recently met up at Wankhede Stadium during the venue’s 50th anniversary ceremony in January, reaffirming Gavaskar’s willingness to assist his fellow sportsman at this time of need.

Personal Life Struggles Surface

Adding to his troubles, Kambli has also been battling emotional challenges at home. In a candid revelation during a podcast with journalist Suryanshi Pandey, Kambli’s wife, Andrea Hewitt, shared that she had filed for divorce in 2023. However, she later withdrew it after witnessing her husband’s fragile state.

“He will be helpless if I leave him. He is like a child, and that hurts me. It makes me feel worried. I would not even leave a friend, but he is more than that,” Andrea replied.

She further added, “I remember there were moments when I would just walk away. But then I would be worried: Has he eaten or not? Is he on the bed properly? Is he okay? Then I had to check on him, and I would understand that he needed me.”

As Kambli still struggles with his ailments, Gavaskar’s timely assistance has provided some relief to the former cricketer and his family.

Gavaskar Slams ECB Over Pataudi Trophy, Urges Rejection

April 7, 2025, 5:21 pm

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar is not happy with the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) move to retire the Pataudi Trophy. For the uninformed, this trophy is awarded to the winner of the bilateral Test series between India and England in England. The latest development is likely to take effect before the upcoming five-Test series between India and England in June-July.

ECB Informs Pataudi’s Family Through Saif Ali Khan

The ECB has already approached Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan, son of the late Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, a former India captain, to break the news to the family.

The Pataudi Trophy was first introduced in 2007 to mark 75 years of India and England’s bilateral cricket relations. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who was a former India captain, represented the nation in 46 Tests, compiling 2,793 runs with an average of 34.91.

Sunil Gavaskar Slams ECB for Insensitivity

Gavaskar was not diplomatic in his words when he criticized the ECB for their decision to retire the Pataudi Trophy. He also appealed to Indian cricketers not to accept ECB’s offer to put their names instead of Tiger Pataudi if they are approached.

“The latest news that ECB is retiring the Pataudi Trophy, which is awarded to the victors of the Test series between England and India in England, is quite disturbing. One has never heard before of a trophy dedicated to individual players being retired, although the decision rests solely with the ECB, and the BCCI could well have been given notice,” Gavaskar mentioned in his column for Sportstar.

“It shows a total lack of sensitivity to the contribution made by the Pataudis to cricket in both England and India. There may well be a new trophy named after more recent players, and here’s hoping that if an Indian player has been approached, he will have the good sense to politely decline not only out of respect for two former India captains but also to avoid the same fate of having a trophy named after him retired after he is gone,” he added.

‘Easily Justified’ But Still Disheartening Says Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar feels the ECB is well within its rights to rename the trophy in honor of someone else. But he is not fond of the move to drop Tiger Pataudi’s name.

“The ECB is fully entitled to name the trophy after one of their own players, but I, along with loads of Indian cricket supporters, fervently hope that any other Indian cricketer will have the smarts to decline, lest history repeats itself as it has with the Pataudi Trophy,” said Gavaskar.

Sharmila Tagore Also Reacts to Trophy Retirement

Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore also condemned the decision to retire the Pataudi Trophy earlier. In an interview, she stated, “I haven’t heard from them, but the ECB has sent a letter to Saif that they are retiring the trophy.”

“If the BCCI wants to or does not want to remember Tiger’s legacy, it is for them to decide,” she added.

The five-Test series between India and England will start on June 20 in Leeds. The remaining four matches will be staged at Birmingham, Lord’s, Manchester and The Oval. The final Test of the series will start on July 31.

Champions Trophy: Sunil Gavaskar Points Out India’s Weak Spots, Says ‘Has To Be 4 Spinners’

March 7, 2025, 2:33 pm

India have thus far remained unvanquished in their Champions Trophy 2025, and they have put in strong performances in each match. They romped through the group stages and demolished Australia in the semifinal. Still, cricketing icon Sunil Gavaskar feels the side still needs some aspects to improve before the final.

Middle Overs and Opening Partnerships Need Attention

Despite India’s strong run, Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that the team has struggled to take wickets in the middle overs. While they have successfully controlled the run flow, breakthroughs have been scarce, which could prove costly in a high-pressure final.

“They haven’t because when you look at the openers, they haven’t really given the Indian team the kind of start that they had hoped for. That has not happened. So, clearly, I think there’s a shortcoming over there. Even with the new ball, you might want to in the first 10 overs. You definitely want to take about 2 or 3 wickets. That’s also not quite been happening. In the middle overs, we have not got wickets, even though the runs have not been flowing. So those are areas that you get better in those areas, the better the chances of going on and winning the final,” Sunil Gavaskar stated on India Today.

No Changes to the Winning XI, Claims Sunil Gavaskar

Though pointing out areas of improvement, Gavaskar also made it clear that India must not alter their present playing XI. According to him, the team must retain four spinners because the pairing of Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav has made India’s bowling unit much stronger.

“I think it is going to be 4 spinners. It has to be. Why change now? It’s shown Chakravarthy’s inclusion, Kuldeep’s inclusion has shown how effective they can be. And also, wicket-taking balls are the best dot balls in limited-overs cricket or any format of the game. So they’ve been doing that, so there should be no change at all,” he further said.

India Gears Up for the Final

With an unbeaten run and a balanced team, India go into the final as favorites. But rectifying the issues highlighted by Sunil Gavaskar can make them stronger contenders to win the Champions Trophy 2025.

Sunil Gavaskar Praises Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Hunger for Runs

November 24, 2024, 7:05 am

Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar applauded Yashasvi Jaiswal for his brilliant performance in the Perth Test against Australia. He called the 22-year-old batter “special” and praised his hunger for runs.

“This boy is special. He really is special. Looking at where he’s come from and the way he’s been batting, the way he’s been handling fame, it’s not easy sometimes to handle fame,” Gavaskar said.

Jaiswal and Rahul Dominate Day 2

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul shone on Day 2. They built an unbeaten 172-run partnership and put India in a strong position.

Jaiswal scored 90 runs off 193 balls with a strike rate of 46.63. Rahul contributed 62 runs from 153 balls at a strike rate of 40.52. Their steady batting ensured India ended the day at 172/0, leading by 218 runs.

Gavaskar Highlights Jaiswal’s Potential

Gavaskar praised Jaiswal’s fearless approach. He said Jaiswal creates problems for bowlers with his left-handed batting and shot-making ability.

“A left-hander who at the top of the order can create problems for the bowlers, whether they’re Australian, English, whatever, because he brings a completely different perspective,” he noted.

Gavaskar also admired Jaiswal’s confidence, especially against Mitchell Starc. “Some of the shots that he played off Mitchell Starc tell you the confidence that he has. Clearly, Yashasvi Jaiswal has the cricketing world at his feet,” Gavaskar added.

India’s Comeback After Collapse

India bounced back after getting bowled out for 150 in the first innings. The fast bowlers, led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, dismantled Australia’s batting. Bumrah took five wickets, while debutant Harshit Rana impressed with his pace.

India’s strong bowling restricted Australia to just 104. By the end of Day 2, Jaiswal and Rahul ensured India had a solid lead.

Jaiswal’s hunger for runs and fearless batting earned him praise from Gavaskar. With his strong partnership with Rahul, he has strengthened India’s position in the match.

Rishabh Pant Addresses Sunil Gavaskar’s Claim About Delhi Capitals Exit and Retention Fee

November 20, 2024, 12:19 am

Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who has entered the IPL 2025 mega auction after parting with Delhi Capitals (DC), responded strongly to recent comments made by cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar had suggested that Pant’s exit from DC might have stemmed from some sort of a disagreement over retention fees. Pant, associated with the franchise since 2016, was released ahead of the auction that will take place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25.

He said, showing a video shared by Star Sports: “Players leave their teams to find out their real market value in the auction. Delhi would surely want Rishabh Pant back. There is negotiation over the fees expected during retention discussions, which has been seen with other players as some of the retained ones get more than the No. 1 retention fee. Maybe there was a disagreement there. My feeling is Delhi would want Pant back since they need a captain,” he said.

Reacting to these remarks, Pant clarified, saying, “My retention wasn’t about the money, for sure that I can say.”

Pant, injured from a car accident in IPL 2023, returned for IPL 202 for DC and was their top scorer as they finished sixth, failing to qualify for the playoffs for the third year in a row.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant’s Departure from Delhi Capitals: Report Uncovers Eye-Opening Reasons

So much so, that many think Pant will fetch lucrative bids for himself when the IPL 2025 auction comes around. In all likelihood, his figure might even surpass Mitchell Starc’s when the latter was sold for ₹24.75 crore to KKR in the IPL 2024 auction. Experts feel that Pant is likely to draw above ₹25 crore.

Sunil Gavaskar Makes Bold Prediction for Team India’s Future in Test Cricket

July 11, 2024, 2:22 pm

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, has made a bold selection call suggesting that Hardik Pandya’s return to the Test cricket setup could make Team India invincible. Gavaskar believes that Pandya, who played a crucial role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory, can significantly strengthen India’s Test team if he starts bowling again and bats at number 6 or 7.

Gavaskar’s comments come as India prepares for a packed Test schedule later this year, including three Tests against New Zealand in October and a four-Test series in Australia starting in late November. He emphasized that Pandya’s presence, even if he bowls just ten overs a day, combined with his batting prowess, would make India formidable on any surface and against any opposition.

Pandya, who has not played Test cricket for nearly six years and has only 11 Tests to his name, has recently seen a resurgence in form. However, his performance in IPL 2024, where he took over the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians from Rohit Sharma and the team finished at the bottom of the table, drew significant criticism. His redemption came with stellar performances in India’s T20 World Cup triumph, which has once again highlighted his potential.

Gavaskar hopes that efforts will be made to convince Pandya to return to Test cricket. The newly-appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir, will have a crucial role in this transition as India continues its 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Gambhir’s tenure will be tested as he navigates this challenging period and potentially integrates Pandya back into the Test team.

Sunil Gavaskar Turns 75: Celebrating an Iconic Career and Unique Moments

July 10, 2024, 12:23 pm

Sunil Gavaskar is one of the India’s greatest cricketers from the last century, he celebrates his 75th birthday today, July 10. He is Known as an all time great opening batsman, Gavaskar’s game was built on near-perfect technique and incredible concentration. He had an exceptional ability to judge the length and line of the ball, allowing him to play almost every stroke with ease.

Gavaskar was one of the legends among opening batsmen and dominated Test cricket, setting world records for the most runs and most centuries at the time. His record of 34 Test centuries remained unmatched for nearly 20 years until Sachin Tendulkar broke it. Gavaskar was also the first cricketer to score centuries in both innings of a Test match.

After retiring, Gavaskar took on various roles within the BCCI and ICC. Today, he mainly works as a media columnist and commentator.

Fun fact: Sunil Gavaskar is the only cricketer in the world to have received a haircut on the field during a match! He told about this in one of his Instagram Post that fascinated everyone.

Gavaskar@75: Path-breaker in global competitiveness

July 10, 2024, 3:30 am

His 75th birthday (10th July) provides the perfect vantage point to look back at the pioneering life of Sunil Gavaskar. From the outset, he was a trendsetter, not just as a batsman of impeccable technique, but as a writer who taught us how to stand up for ourselves in a post-colonial world, hold our heads high amid white privilege, and demonstrate that Indians had the ability to compete with the best in any field.
Cricket was a colonial sport in which India had been happy to be an also-ran. Until the 21-year-old Gavaskar burst onto the sport’s firmament. In his first test, he made 65 and an unbeaten 67 to steer India to her first-ever test victory over the West Indies. Then he made scores of 116, 64*, 1, 117*, 124 and 220 to ensure that the door on a West Indies comeback remained firmly bolted, ensuring a series victory there for the first time.
The run accumulator had first gained renown in the 1970-71 domestic season. He made three consecutive Ranji centuries, and then piled up scores of 226, 99, 327 and 124 for Bombay University in the Rohinton Baria inter-university competition. Test selection became inevitable, and the run mountains quickly grew in the test arena too.
By the time Gavaskar had played his 50th test, he had made 20 centuries (the latest being 221 while leading an audacious attempt at chasing down 438 for victory in the final innings of the 1979 series in and against England). Nobody other than Bradman has been as quick to reach 20 test centuries.
Along the way, he led India to victory in his first test as captain, at Auckland over New Zealand in 1976. And later that year, he and brother-in-law Vishwanath each made centuries as India made a world record 406/4 in the fourth innings to fashion another famous victory over the West Indies. That, ironically, led the opposing skipper, Clive Lloyd, to adopt intimidatory tactics (as many as 4-5 bouncers in some overs) in a four-pronged pace attack that was to become the basis of one of the greatest test sides ever.
But barely halfway to the 50-test mark, Gavaskar published his candid memoirs, ‘Sunny Days’, an instant best-seller that marked the start of a second career as writer. Until then no active Indian cricketer had published his memoirs. Mushtaq Ali was the only retired Indian cricketer to have done so.
As a writer and commentator, Sunny Gavaskar has been an acute analyst of cricketing nuances. But his style of speaking — always standing up for India in the face of biased narratives – helped Indian sides to embrace and successfully conquer the power of mass media. He has also been a stickler for propriety, never abjuring the need to admonish youngsters for irresponsible play. Inspired by him, new generations made India dominant in the sport, in turn giving confidence to India to compete further afield.
As a cricketer, it was his absolute devotion to excellence that remains his greatest legacy. Immaculate in defensive technique, he was a naturally attacking batsman against pace and spin, who curtailed his natural instincts for the good of his side. When that approach occasionally failed him (as it did, for instance, in 1983), he unleashed the natural attacker at the Kotla and Motera against the might of West Indies in its fast-bowling pomp. His 29th test century (drawing parallel with Bradman) was the result, reaching the landmark off just 94 balls in a flurry of hooks, square cuts, cover- and on-drives — followed by a superb 90 on a deteriorating Ahmedabad pitch, beginning with perhaps the first-ever ramp shot over slips for four (off Holding, no less). He conquered at least three summits before any other test cricketer had: 30 centuries, 10,000 runs and 125 appearances.
Trained in the traditional copybook batsmanship of Mumbai’s maidans, Gavaskar did not take automatically to one-day cricket (which, as Vishwanath’s recent memoir also avers, Indians initially treated disdainfully). While he did relatively little with the bat during the 1983 World Cup triumph, he was key as slip fielder and elder statesman: India lost the only two games he didn’t play. And his 90 at Berbice on 29th March 1983 helped deliver a pioneering ODI victory in the West Indies’ own den that was a precursor of the two triumphs in June 1983 that transformed India’s destiny in the format.
Nothing quite became his career better than the manner of his leaving it. In his final test innings, on a fast-deteriorating pitch on which no other batsman made more than 50, Gavaskar made 96 before being given out off his elbow (not his bat or glove). In his first-class farewell (for Rest of the World against MCC at Lord’s) 38-year-old Gavaskar made 188 against Marshall, Hadlee and Rice. While his sinuous willow went silent, his wit and wisdom has continued to delight cricket fans on the airwaves and in print for the next 37 years. Happy 75th Birthday, Sunnybhai!
Prasenjit K. Basu, an economist and historian, has blogged about cricket for the past 21 years at sports-india.com

“When You Get Three Low Scores…”: Gavaskar Backs Virat to Come Back Strong Good Following Horror Start to T20 WC

June 13, 2024, 6:02 pm

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has lent his support to star batter Virat Kohli amidst his challenging start in the ICC T20 World Cup campaign. Gavaskar emphasized the importance of maintaining faith in Kohli’s abilities, urging both fans and the player himself to remain patient and trust in his talent.

Gavaskar acknowledged Kohli’s recent string of low scores in the tournament but highlighted that this doesn’t indicate a loss of form. He suggested that Kohli might have fallen victim to some good deliveries and emphasized the need to trust in his resilience and ability to bounce back.

Despite Kohli’s initial struggles, Gavaskar expressed confidence in the batsman’s capacity to deliver, particularly given his track record of winning matches for India over the years. He encouraged Kohli to maintain his patience and self-belief, emphasizing the long road ahead in the tournament and the opportunities for redemption in the Super Eights and knockout stages.

Reflecting on Kohli’s stellar performance in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) season, where he excelled for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Gavaskar highlighted Kohli’s exceptional form and aggressive approach against spinners. However, he acknowledged that this strategy has not translated as effectively in the challenging conditions of the Nassau County International Stadium in New York.

As India prepares for their upcoming T20 World Cup match against Canada, Gavaskar reiterated the significance of Kohli’s role in the team’s journey, emphasizing the need for patience and perseverance as they progress in the tournament.

T20 World Cup XI: Gavaskar’s Another Big Call On Kohli

June 2, 2024, 6:51 pm

Sunil Gavaskar has selected the partner for Rohit Sharma at the opening position in T20 World Cup XI as India prepares for the T20 World Cup 2024.

If the recent warm-up match between India and Bangladesh is any indication, it appears that Yashasvi Jaiswal may not be the top choice to open alongside Rohit Sharma in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Instead, it was Sanju Samson who partnered with the India skipper, as Virat Kohli was absent from the team, having arrived late from the United States of America.

While Rohit mentioned that the team’s composition is not yet finalized, the warm-up match hinted that Jaiswal may not be the preferred option according to the team management.

Sunil Gavaskar, a legendary figure in Indian cricket, believes that Virat Kohli should partner with Rohit Sharma as the opening batsman for India, considering that Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn’t been performing consistently. Kohli’s exceptional performance in IPL 2024, where he emerged as the top scorer with more than 700 runs, adds weight to this argument.

“The kind of form Virat Kohli has been in, especially in the second half of the season, he should open with Rohit Sharma. Good players are good players, the kind of form Kohli has shown in the IPL, he has to open the batting. It’s good to talk about the left-hand, right-hand combination on television, but good players are good players no matter where they bat,” Gavaskar said in a chat on Star Sports after the T20 World Cup opener between USA and Canada.

“Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn’t been in the sort of form we saw him in during the Test series,” the India legend said of the left-hander who will compete with Virat for the second opener’s spot.

It would have been fantastic if Virat could have participated in the practice match against Bangladesh for India, but his delayed arrival made it unfeasible. Nonetheless, the top-order batsman is hopeful of securing a spot in the team’s playing XI as they kick off their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against Ireland on June 05.

Jaiswal may not get opportunities too soon since both Virat and Rohit are crucial to the team’s lineup. However, there could be a chance for him to take on another role within the batting unit.

Sunil Gavaskar Is Hoping To See An “Emotional” Farewell For India Wicketkeeper MS Dhoni in CSK

May 12, 2024, 5:58 pm

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar is hoping to see an “emotional” farewell for legendary India wicketkeeper MS Dhoni from Chennai Super Kings’ final home game in the ongoing IPL 2024 season against Rajasthan Royals at the Chepauk.

While the significance of the match holds Chennai’s chances of making to the playoffs this season, their topsy-turvy run have left fans worried about whether the game against RR will be Dhoni’s final IPL appearance.

After guiding Chennai to a amazing and record-equalling fifth IPL title in 2023, Dhoni promised CSK fans that he would return next season as well. And even though there remained uncertainty over his availability for the 2024 edition as he underwent knee surgery later last year, Dhoni completed his rehabilitation and his pre-season camp before joining the Chennai side. The former captain also entertained the fans with some fiery cameo appearances with the bat.

Speaking to Star Sports ahead of the start of today’s match between Chennai and Rajasthan, Gavaskar admitted that he wants to see Dhoni bid adieu to Chepauk in style, by smashing a couple of boundaries and sixes.

“I’d love to see him come and smash a couple of sixes. Obviously that running between the wickets with that leg won’t be there. But it’s going to be emotional, I mean as the match progresses they will know where the match is standing whether CSK is going to win or RR is going to win. I think it is going to be emotional just like when Sachin Tendulkar played his last match at the Wankhede Stadium. I just hope that MSD also goes out on a real high,” said Gavaskar.

Kapil Dev, Irfan Pathan Attend ‘Jahankilla’ Screening in Mumbai

March 17, 2024, 5:05 pm

Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev and former pacer Irfan Pathan were present at the screening of the Punjabi film ‘Jahankilla’ in Mumbai.

‘Jahankilla’ narrates a captivating story of sacrifice, love, friendship, and patriotism unfolding in the rural landscapes of Punjab.

Irfan Pathan was joined by his son at the event. Additionally, Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar were also in attendance alongside Kapil Dev and Irfan Pathan.

Sharing his thoughts post the preview of the film, Kapil Dev said, “I am deeply honoured to support the talented young team behind ‘Jahankilla.’ Their dedication to storytelling and their portrayal of Punjab’s valorous spirit truly resonated with me. I believe this film not only entertains but also inspires, and I am proud to lend my support to such a meaningful project.”

Directed by Vickey Kadam, the film traces the life of Shinda, a young man from modest origins who joins the police force driven by familial sacrifices. Dedicated to the country’s first responders, the film explores themes of national integration, women’s empowerment, and youth empowerment, interweaving them to craft a compelling storyline.

Jobanpreet Singh, the lead actor stated, “I am thrilled to bring Shinda’s story to life in ‘Jahankilla.’ It’s a tale of resilience and determination that resonates deeply with audiences, showcasing the trials and triumphs of those who dare to dream against all odds.”

Sharing her excitement, Gurbani Gill stated, “Portraying Simran has been a journey of self-discovery. Her character’s strength and vulnerability are a testament to the complexities of human emotion. I’m honoured to be part of a film that celebrates love, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of Punjab.”

The movie is slated for a global release on March 22.

Gavaskar praises Akash Deep, says Team India doing great even without big names

March 4, 2024, 5:00 pm

Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar complimented Team India for achieving great results in Test cricket even without big players. Gavaskar highlighted that the team under Rohit Sharma was without superstars like batting maestro Virat Kohli and fast bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah during the fourth Test against England in Ranchi, yet came out on top easily to pocket the five-match series with one game yet to be played.

Already missing vice captain KL Rahul and Kohli, India thrashed England in Ranchi. Team India saw debutant pacer Akash Deep made an immediate impression in his maiden game when he took three quick wickets in England’s first innings.

Gavaskar mentioned pacer Akash Deep in particular in his column for the Mid Day. It’s interesting to note that Gavaskar also discussed India’s audacious choice to bench Bumrah in the Test series finale against England. “Bumrah was rested for Ranchi, presumably on the trainer’s recommendation, despite bowling just 15 overs in the first innings and then eight overs in the second innings of the third Test at Rajkot,” Gavaskar said.

He wrote in his column, “Don’t forget there was a nine-day break between the second Test and third Test match and then bowling 23 overs in the entire game is not tiring at all, so why was Bumrah rested? After the fourth Test there was going to be another eight-days break before the final Test match; enough time for supremely fit athletes to recover and be ready to play for the country.”

Rohit Sharma praised Akash Deep for his outstanding debut against England in Ranchi. In the first 19 overs of the first innings, Akash Deep, making his debut in Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s den, claimed three wickets. In the second innings of the series decider, skipper Rohit did not employ the pacer as the Indian spinners ran through the English batting lineup.

Sunil Gavaskar is not sure about Hardik’s suitability for the captaincy role

December 19, 2023, 12:03 pm

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar stated that Hardik Pandya leading the Mumbai Indians (MI) may or may not help the team ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction on Tuesday in Dubai.

Gavaskar stated that the 30-year-old has already produced outcomes while managing the Gujarat Titans (GT) during his speech at Star Sports. He went on to say that adopting “fresh thinking” is necessary.

“Hardik is a young and fresh captain who has delivered the results. He led the Gujarat Titans to two IPL finals and achieved a title once. So pretty sure they made him captain keeping all this in mind. Sometimes you need fresh thinking, and Hardik can bring that. Making Hardik captain may or may not benefit the team, but it sure won’t hurt them,” Gavaskar said.

He went on to say that the Mumbai-based team made their decisions for their own advantage and that morality shouldn’t be debated.

The veteran cricket player cited Mi’s performance from the previous season and claimed that although they made it to the IPL 2023 playoffs, Rohit Sharma lacked “josh”. He continued by saying that Rohit had made significant runs for the team.

“We should not discuss what is right or wrong. The decision taken by Mumbai Indians is for the benefit of their team. In the last two years, Rohit’s contributions with the bat were scarce. He used to score heavily, and two seasons ago if I’m not wrong, MI finished last. Last year, they qualified for the Playoffs but the josh that we are used to seeing in him, has been missing. Perhaps he is tired having played non-stop cricket, or captaining India,” he added.

In a transfer agreement between the Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians prior to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Hardik rejoined the five-time winners. Although many anticipated that Hardik would lead the team under Rohit, many were taken aback when MI chose to give the 30-year-old all-rounder leadership earlier this week.

Gavaskar on India’s trip to South Africa: “Rohit’s opportunity to make up for WC final loss”

December 12, 2023, 12:04 pm

Sunil Gavaskar, a former cricketer for India, stated that Rohit Sharma will have an opportunity to make up for the ODI World Cup 2023 final defeat during India’s current tour to South Africa.

Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar stated that players like Virat and Rohit, who are seniors, have been playing at their top for the past six to eight months.

“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have really been at the peak of their powers in the last 6-8 months. Rohit is going to be key for India in the Test series. Rohit will have a big role to play to set up the batters coming after him at three, four and five. Whatever happens, this is Rohit Sharma’s opportunity to make up for the World Cup final loss,” Gavaskar said.

Gavaskar stated that the captain of India will be crucial in the long-format matches against the Proteas, specifically referring to the two-match Test series against South Africa. A three-match T20I series kicked off the all-format tour to South Africa on December 10 and will continue until December 14. The ODI portion of the series will begin on December 17 and last through December 21. December 26 at Centurion will host the first Test match, while January 3 at Cape Town will host the second match.

Lack of crucial batting partnerships hurting Mumbai Indians says Gavaskar

April 11, 2023, 5:25 pm

It will be a battle of lower-ranked teams as Delhi Capitals take on Mumbai Indians in their next match of IPL at home. Both teams are yet to taste a win in the competition and have not justified the quality they possess.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes one of the significant reasons for Mumbai Indians’ struggle is that players are failing to string crucial partnerships.

Speaking on Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar said, “MI’s biggest problem since last season till date has been the lack of partnerships. Unless you have big partnerships, it is difficult for you to score big. MI has been seen struggling continuously in this regard. MI should have built their innings on short but useful partnership between Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, but they failed.”

Former Australia cricketer Tom Moody reckons Delhi Capitals skipper David Warner should increase the tempo because scoring runs at a brisk pace is crucial for the side in powerplay overs.

Speaking on Star Sports, former Australia Tom Moody said, “It’s not just the volume of runs David Warner needs to score for Delhi Capitals. He also needs to set the tempo in the powerplays, which has gone a little down. I would love to see him take the game head-on early, especially when the Impact Substitute rule provides the team more flexibility.”

Meanwhile, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan hailed the nail-biting encounter between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants which LSG won last night. The result of the high-scoring thriller in Bengaluru was decided on the final ball of the match. Despite the defeat, Pathan backed RCB to make it to the playoffs should they do well in their remaining home games.

Speaking on Star Sports, former India pacer Irfan Pathan said, “RCB have had their fair share of injury concerns in this season as several key players have been ruled out. They are missing their key pacers in Josh Hazelwood and Reece Topley due to injuries. But, I believe, RCB spinners will have to rise to the occasion now at M Chinnaswamy. Only then they will aid the fast bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Wayne Parnell. If RCB end up winning their next 2-3 games at home, I am seeing RCB in the playoffs.”

Gavaskar lashes at Team India stars asks BCCI to give strong message

November 12, 2022, 12:39 pm

After being defeated by England in the second semi-final on Thursday in Adelaide in the T20 World Cup team India is facing a lot of humiliation and Sunil Gavaskar also showed his disappointment.

Meanwhile, on Thursday England thrashed India by 10 wickets and won the match in just 16 overs.

Moreover, legendary former captain Sunil Gavaskar lashes into Team India stars and on the concept of ‘workload management’.

Gavaskar made a statement and said from the concept of “workload management” is forgotten when the players play throughout the Indian Premier League.

“Changes will be there. Jab aap World Cup me jeet nahi sakte, changes honge. Hamne vo dekha hai ki jo New Zealand ke liye team jaa rahi hai, usme changes hue hain. ye jo ‘workload-workload’ ki baatein chalti hai, Kirti aur Madan ne sahi kaha ki workload sirf Bharat ke liye khelne ke liye kyun hota hai? (When you can’t win World Cup, there will be changes. The team for New Zealand has changed. But every time we talk about this ‘workload’, why does it only happen when they play for India?),” Gavaskar said.

Gavaskar further stated, ““Aap IPL khelte hain, poora season khelte hain, vahan aap travelling karte hain… sirf pichhla IPL 4 centres me hua tha, baaki sab jagah aap idhar-udhar daudte rehte hain. Vahan par aapko thakaan nahi hoti? Vahan workload nahi hota? Sirf jab Bharat ke liye khelna hota hai, vo bhi tab jab aap non-glamorous countries me jaate hain, tab aapka workload banta hai? Ye baat galat hai. (You play in whole season of IPL, travel from one place to other. You don’t get tired there? Is there no workload? Only when you play for India, especially when you have to tour a non-glamorous country, you remember workload? This is wrong).”

Former Indian batter didn’t stop and said, the BCCI should send out a strong message to the cricketers and they shouldn’t be “pampered” so much.

“Workload aur fitness saath me nahi ho sakte. Agar aap fit hai, toh workload ka sawaal kahan aaya? Ham Marathi me kehte hain, ki thoda laad karte hain, vo thoda kam karein. Ham aapko team me le rahe hain, ham aapko kaafi retainer fee bhi de rahe hain. Agar aapko workload ki vajah se aap khel nahi rahe, fir retainer fee bhi nikaalein. (If you’re fit, how does workload come into picture? Stop pampering the players. You’re being picked for the team, you’re being paid a retainer fee. If you can’t play because of workload, waive off the retainer fee too),” Gavaskar said.

The former India captain said, “Aap match nahi khelenge toh aapki retainer fee nikal jaani chahiye. Bohot saare log fir workload bhoolkar khelne aayenge. IPL shuru hone se pehle international cricket ki body hai, FICA, unhone ye hi kaha tha. Workload, workload, workload… jab IPL aaya, aur saare players IPL khelne ke liye workload bhool gaye. Changes honge, aur hone bhi chahiye. Kaun honge, vo selection committe karegi. Par aapko players ko sandesh bhejna hai. (Don’t play a match, and lose your retainer fee. Many players will then forget their workload and come to play. FICA had said the same thing. When IPL came, everyone forgot the workload. The selection committee needs to decide on the changes, but you need to send out a strong message).”

However, the ballistic performance of Buttler led the team to win the match. India gave the target of 169 runs for which Buttler hit 80 runs and Hales hit 86 runs.

CALM RAHANE IS AGGRESSIVE IN CAPTAINCY TACTICS: GAVASKAR

December 28, 2020, 5:31 am

MELBOURNE: India’s stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane could be laidback in his body language but he is aggressive with his tactics, said former India skipper and opening batsman Sunil Gavaskar on Sunday. “Rahane is having a good Test match. He is playing a captain’s innings, applying himself. Everyone has been complimentary about his captaincy, his field placements and bowling changes. I agree with them. He is calm and cool,” said Gavaskar to ABC Sport. “Virat (Kohli) is a lot more passionate and in your face of the opposition. Rahane is little more laidback and is calm. He lacks aggression in his body language but not in his tactics. He is quite aggressive with his tactics as captain. We saw that (aggression in field placings) with the leg-gully, slip and forward short leg (during Australia’s first innings on Saturday),” added Gavaskar.

KOHLI’S ABSENCE INCENTIVE FOR INDIANS TO LIFT UP THEIR GAME: SUNIL GAVASKAR

December 16, 2020, 5:02 am

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli’s absence in the last three Tests of the upcoming four-match series will be a huge boost to Australia considering his record Down Under where he has scored six centuries and three fifties in 12 Tests he has played so far, say Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border.

“I think it is a huge boost for the Australians, a man who has six hundreds in 12 Tests in Australia. It is a huge boost for Australians not to be bowling to Kohli in the last the three Tests,” said Gavaskar during a media interaction.

Kohli will be returning to India after the Adelaide Test (December 17-21) to be with his wife Anushka Sharma who is expecting their first child.

Border concurred with Gavaskar saying that absence of the 32-year-old will leave a huge gap in the Indian line-up.