Sporting icons : Sunil Gavaskar - Career HLs & video of Indian batting machine

 Sunil Gavaskar, born on July 10, 1949, is one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. Renowned for his impeccable technique and unwavering concentration, Gavaskar was the first player to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket. His legendary career spanned from 1971 to 1987, during which he set numerous records, including the most Test centuries at the time with 34. Gavaskar's contributions to Indian cricket were immense, as he played a pivotal role in establishing India as a formidable force in the international arena. His legacy continues to inspire generations of cricketers worldwide.

Sunil Gavaskar is celebrated for his classical batting technique and remarkable ability to play long innings under pressure. His playing style was characterized by a solid defensive technique, precise footwork, and an unflappable temperament, making him exceptionally difficult to dismiss. Gavaskar's impeccable technique allowed him to counter fast bowlers and spinners with equal ease, and his concentration enabled him to build substantial innings in challenging conditions.

Sunny as he is affectionately called , played in the great era of fast bowling in the 1970s to 80s without a helmet . His ability to negotiate the short pitched bowling by dropping his wrists or swaying away by keeping eyes on the ball was an education for youngsters . Known highly for his impeccable defensive technique, Gavaskar could play all types of shots and can ruthlessly attack when needed . 

Career Highlights

#### Test Career

- **Debut and Early Impact:** Gavaskar made his Test debut against the West Indies in 1971. He scored 774 runs in his debut series, which remains the highest by a debutant in a series.

- **First to 10,000 Runs:** Gavaskar was the first cricketer to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket, achieving this milestone in 1987.

- **Most Test Centuries:** At the time of his retirement, Gavaskar held the record for the most Test centuries (34), surpassing the previous record of 29 held by Sir Don Bradman.

- **Remarkable Consistency:** He played 125 Test matches, amassing 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12, including 34 centuries and 45 fifties.

- **Captaincy:** Gavaskar captained India in 47 Test matches, leading the team to 9 victories. He is noted for his leadership during India's first Test series win in the West Indies and a series victory against England in 1986.

#### ODI Career

- **ODI Debut:** Gavaskar's ODI debut came against England in 1974.

- **Steady Accumulator:** In his 108 ODI matches, he scored 3,092 runs at an average of 35.13, including one century and 27 fifties.

- **World Cup Performance:** He was part of the Indian team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup, contributing crucial runs in the tournament.

Records and Achievements

- **Highest Run-Scorer:** At the time of his retirement, Gavaskar was the highest run-scorer in Test cricket.

- **Centuries Against All Test Nations:** He was the first player to score centuries against all the Test-playing nations.

- **First to 30 Test Centuries:** Gavaskar became the first batsman to reach 30 Test centuries.

- **Most Runs in a Series:** His 774 runs in his debut series against the West Indies is still a record for the most runs in a debut series.

- **Padma Bhushan:** Gavaskar was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 1980.

Sunil Gavaskar's illustrious career and his contributions to cricket have left an indelible mark on the sport, making him a true legend in the history of the game.

Sunil Gavaskar is celebrated for his classical batting technique and remarkable ability to play long innings under pressure. His playing style was characterized by a solid defensive technique, precise footwork, and an unflappable temperament, making him exceptionally difficult to dismiss. Gavaskar's impeccable technique allowed him to counter fast bowlers and spinners with equal ease, and his concentration enabled him to build substantial innings in challenging conditions.

### Career Highlights

#### Test Career

- **Debut and Early Impact:** Gavaskar made his Test debut against the West Indies in 1971. He scored 774 runs in his debut series, which remains the highest by a debutant in a series.

- **First to 10,000 Runs:** Gavaskar was the first cricketer to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket, achieving this milestone in 1987.

- **Most Test Centuries:** At the time of his retirement, Gavaskar held the record for the most Test centuries (34), surpassing the previous record of 29 held by Sir Don Bradman.

- **Remarkable Consistency:** He played 125 Test matches, amassing 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12, including 34 centuries and 45 fifties.

- **Captaincy:** Gavaskar captained India in 47 Test matches, leading the team to 9 victories. He is noted for his leadership during India's first Test series win in the West Indies and a series victory against England in 1986.

#### ODI Career

- **ODI Debut:** Gavaskar's ODI debut came against England in 1974.

- **Steady Accumulator:** In his 108 ODI matches, he scored 3,092 runs at an average of 35.13, including one century and 27 fifties.

- **World Cup Performance:** He was part of the Indian team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup, contributing crucial runs in the semi final.

### Records and Achievements

- **Highest Run-Scorer:** At the time of his retirement, Gavaskar was the highest run-scorer in Test cricket.

- **Centuries Against All Test Nations:** He was the first player to score centuries against all the Test-playing nations.

- **First to 30 Test Centuries:** Gavaskar became the first batsman to reach 30 Test centuries.

- **Most Runs in a Series:** His 774 runs in his debut series against the West Indies is still a record for the most runs in a debut series.

- **Padma Bhushan:** Gavaskar was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 1980.

Sunil Gavaskar's illustrious career and his contributions to cricket have left an indelible mark on the sport, making him a true legend in the history of the game.

In the below video watch his blistering 121 vs West Indies in 1983 2nd test