We have Virat Kohli today, we had Sachin Tendulkar yesterday but long back people knew only Sunil Gavaskar who knew the art of making centuries. The 5.5 feet man popularly known as Sunny among his fans turned 69 on 10th July and his fans still remember this talented man with a fearless attitude. Well, he used to demolish the bowlers during those times when pitches around the world were not so friendly to batsmen as they are today.
Wishing the man with a flair, batting maestro, the little master – Mr. Sunil Gavaskar a very Happy Birthday! pic.twitter.com/lrfuN0MApi
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 10, 2018
Making his debut on March 6 1971 against West Indies, the little master had served Indian cricket for 16 years before hanging up his boots on November 5 1987 against England.
On his special day, let’s check out these 10 records which is only holded by him:
1. First cricketer to score 10000 runs
Sunny was fonder of 10000 runs club in the Test cricket. . He had achieved this milestone on March 7 1987 against Pakistan at Ahmedabad. Later, he finished with 10,122 runs 125 test matches.
2. Most Runs in Test Debut Series
Gavaskar holds the record for scoring most runs in a debut Test series. The little master had scored 774 runs in just 4 Tests against the West Indies way back in 1971.
3. First batsman to score 30 hundreds in Tests
Sunil was the first batsman to break Donald Bradman’s record of 29 Test centuries to score 30 hundreds in Test history.
4. Most centuries against West Indies
While other feared to play against the invincible West Indies in the 70s and 80s, it was Gavaskar who used to love to play against them and scored 13 centuries in 27 matches played.
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5. Took 13 years to score century in ODIs
Indeed, Sunil had scored his maiden ODI century 13 years and 110 days after his debut. Well, this is the longest span between a player’s debut and maiden ODI hundred.
6. Youngest Double centurion in an Overseas Test
Gavaskar had scored 220 at age 21 years and 277 days against the West Indies at Queen’s Park Oval in 1971 to become youngest double centurion in an overseas Test. He broke the record of Don Bradman, who was 21 years and 304 days when he scored 254 against England in 1930.
7. Made Double Hundreds in consecutive innings of Tests
He is the first and only batsman to score double hundreds in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th innings of Tests.
8. Scored 1000 runs or more in a year on 4 occasions.
Sunil Gavaskar is the 1st batsman to score 1000 runs or more in a year on four occasions.
9. Carrying the Bat
After scoring 127 not out in an innings in Faisalabad Test against Pakistan, Sunil became the 1st Indian to carry his bat throughout the innings.
10. First Indian fielder to get over a 100 catches in Test cricket
Well, he is the 1st Indian fielder (excluding wicket-keepers) to get over a hundred catches in Test matches.
Meanwhile, wishes are pouring down on Twitter for the legendary batsman:
This one is from the current cricketer.
Wishing the legend, Sunil Gavaskar Ji, a very happy birthday. You’ve been an inspiration to many, wish you all the happiness in life.
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) July 10, 2018
The most funny tweet by Viru Paaji
Today, #SunnySideUp ,for a man who taught a- not very high on confidence generation , 'Fusfusana Band-India bano Dabanng'. He was truly a Dabanng for his courage to face bowlers who looked like killing you,without any fear and protective gear.
Happy Birthday Sunil Gavaskar. pic.twitter.com/UDxL12QsrQ— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 10, 2018
Honourable Cheif Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee to wished him a birthday.
Birthday greetings to the legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 10, 2018
Laxman shared an old picture with the little master.
Birthday Greetings to my childhood hero and inspiration, Sunil Gavaskar. Playing fearlessly against the most fearsome bowlers in their own conditions, he instilled courage and belief in many young Indian batsmen. Have a great day and year ahead, Sunny Bhai pic.twitter.com/Odv84zHKPA
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 10, 2018
To the #legend of Indian Cricket, Mr.Sunil Gavaskar- wishing you a very happy birthday sir… #HappyBirthdaySunilGavaskar pic.twitter.com/iBbWOqthO9
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) July 10, 2018
