When we talk about cricket, We also keep thinking about the greatest Indian cricketers or the Masters of cricket. There are many cricketers, who are very famous and share great significance in the history of cricket. But there is one cricketer who is known as the ‘Little Master’ and yes he is our “Sunil Gavaskar”.
Who is Sunil Gavaskar?
Sunil Gavaskar, also known as the Little Master of cricket. Sunil Gavaskar was very famous for his different and versatile batting techniques, especially against fast bowlers of opponents, because it is quite difficult to manage fast bowling, but he managed very wisely and nicely. He also played the role of captain in the team, and he was a cricket team ambassador too. He was a great personality in cricket.
Sunil Gavaskar Bio
| Full Name | Sunil Manohar Gavaskar |
| Nickname | The Little Master |
| Date of Birth | July 10, 1949 |
| Age | 75 years (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India |
| Profession | Former Cricketer, Commentator, Author |
| Batting Style | Right-Handed |
| Role in Team | Opening Batsman |
| Test Debut | March 6, 1971, vs. West Indies at Port of Spain |
| Wife | Marshneil Gavaskar |
| Son | Rohan Gavaskar (former cricketer) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $30 Million |
Early Life and Background of Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar was born into a Marathi family in Bombay, now known as Mumbai, located in Maharashtra, India. His parents were typically Marathi. His father’s name was Manohar Gavaskar, and his mother’s name was Meenal. He was great in studies too, but later he was inspired by his uncle to play cricket. Madhav Mantri, who was an Indian Test cricketer and played a major role in supporting Sunil Gavaskar’s cricket journey. Sunil Gavaskar completed his schooling from the ‘St. Xavier’s High School’, in Mumbai. In 1966, he was also given the title of Best Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year for scoring 246, 222, and 85 in a single tournament, which was a really huge score. This initial unexpected success in cricket motivated him to play cricket more.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Age
Sunil Gavaskar was born in 1949 on the July 10th. If we calculate, he is 75 years old now according to 2024 and he has been retired from cricket since 1987. Though People still love him as much as they did during his playing period. He remains one of the former Indian cricketers who holds a special place in people’s hearts.
Physical Stats of Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar is not very tall. He height according to the reports present online is 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). Reports also suggest that his body weight was around 70 kilograms during the time he plays. He was a multitasking player; he played both batting and bowling.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Career in Cricket
Sunil Gavaskar’s cricket journey started from school cricket to national level and then converted into an international game. Some of his major career achievements and jouney are mentioned below:
- Wazir Sultan Match, 1966–67:
Sunil Gavaskar made his first debut in the year 1966–67, where he played for the Wazir Sultan Colts XI. He later won the trophy in Mumbai, where his performance was fabulous. This was the start of his journey in cricket.
- Test Debut Against West Indies in 1971:
Sunil Gavaskar played internationally for the first time during a tour of the West Indies in 1971. He missed the first Test due to a nail infection but made a grand entry in the second Test, where he scored 65 and 67 not out. His contributions helped India to win against the West Indies for the first time.
- Record Breaking Test Career:
Gavaskar was the first cricketer who scored 10,000 runs in Test cricket. He also scored 34 Test centuries, which was a world record at the time of his retirement. He had an average score of 65.45 against the West Indies, where his bowling attack was so on point to win against their experienced player.
- Captaincy in the 1984 Asia Cup:
Gavaskar played a crucial role in the 1984 Asia Cup and the 1985 World Championship of Cricket. During this time, there were frequent transitions in leadership between him and Kapil Dev. Together, they formed a formidable team, giving stiff competition to opponents.
- ODI Achievements:
Though Sunil Gavaskar was mainly known for his Test cricket, he also contributed significantly to ODIs. He scored 3,092 runs in 108 matches, which included one century. This shows his passion and dedication to cricket.
- Post Retirement in 1987:
After retiring from cricket in 1987, Gavaskar shifted himself into commentary, which shows his love for the game. His commentary was loved by fans worldwide. He also served as the Sheriff of Mumbai from 1995 to 1996.
Achievements of Sunil Gavaskar
- Arjuna Award: Gavaskar received the Arjuna Award for his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket. He was one of the pillar members who helped elevate Indian cricket to new heights.
- Padma Bhushan Award: Gavaskar was honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards.
- ICC Cricket Hall of Fame: In 2009, Sunil Gavaskar was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the all time greats of the sport.
- C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award: Gavaskar received the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 for his services to Indian cricket.
- World Cup Winner: He was part of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning squad, a historic moment for Indian cricket.
Conclusion
Sunil Gavaskar is a legendary cricketer who holds a special place in the history of Indian cricket. His contribution towards Test cricket, along with his unique batting style, and remarkable records have made him an icon of the game. Awards like the Arjuna Award and the Padma Bhushan highlight his contributions. His nickname, “The Little Master,” shows his immense talent despite his other skills. Apart from cricket, Gavaskar continues to do commentary in cricket, which earned him love and admiration from his fans. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest cricketers India has ever have. He is a true legend and will always be loved by the cricket fans.
Also read:- Rohit Sharma Net Worth, Age and Early life
