Sunil Manohar Gavaskar, a name which has been synonymous with Indian cricket ever since his debut series against the West Indies in 1971. It has been close to half a century since his debut and Indian cricket has produced some great batsman over this period. But even then whenever there is a discussion on the best batsman produced by India, his name figures in the top three if not at the top. Given the fact that he successfully faced the likes of Michael Holding, Weslie Hall, Charlie Griffith, Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thompson among others; without wearing a helmet, it is no wonder that many regard him to be one of the best all time openers in test cricket.
Here, on his 67th birthday, we bring to you five things that you may not know about Sunny (as he is fondly called).
#5 When Vijay Merchant had predicted Gavaskar's success prior to the 1971 Carribean tour
#4 He could have landed in the family of fisherman had it not been for Nan-Kaka
We all know the role that family support plays in shaping the future of children and Gavaskar's family was always supportive in his career choice. However, had it not been for a little hole near the top of his left ear lobe; he could have well been fishing in the Machhimaar nagar of south Mumbai (then Bombay).
Mr Narayan Masurekar, one of Gavaskar's relative had come to see him on the day of his birth and had noticed a little hole near the top of his left ear lobe. But when he came to see the child next day he saw that the baby did not have any hole on his left ear lobe. This resulted in a frantic search in the hospital and Gavaskar was eventually located sleeping peacefully beside a fisherman.
#3 The reality behind the infamous Snow charge
Cricket fanatics of yesteryears will recall an ugly incident involving Gavaskar and Englishmen John Snow in the Lords test match in 1971. Gavaskar who was batting with Farokh Engineer set off for a quick single during their partnership. At one point during the run, Snow was at level with Gavaskar and with the ball nowhere nearby him gave the little master a violent shove. This sent Gavaskar sprawling and having lost his bat, he crawled to the crease.
#2 When Gavaskar's courage and strength saved a Muslim family from a violent mob
The incident which being described below is from January 31st, 1993; more than five years since Gavaskar had hung up his boots. However, looks like he still had in him to fight against all odds.
#1 “These big blokes have the power, but we little ones have the footwork"
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