New Delhi, July 10: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who was a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, turned 73 on Sunday.
Gavaskar served the Indian cricket for 16 years before retiring in 1987. He has represented India in 233 matches, amassing 13,214 runs.
The Bombay-born cricketer, regarded as one of the greatest opening batsmen of all time, was the first batter to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket.
Post his retirement, Gavaskar has served as a television commentator and columnist and has taken on various roles with the BCCI. He also briefly served as chairman of the ICC cricket committee.
Birthday wishes pour in for Gavaskar.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary, Jay Shah took to Twitter and said: “Be it 10000 runs in test cricket with 34 centuries, nimble footwork at the crease or facing fast bowlers without a helmet, the #littlemaster made everything look easy. Happy birthday to one of India’s greatest cricketers. Stay Young Forever. #Legend”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) wrote: “He was one opener you wanted to see back of. Because when he gets in, he books lunch and dinner and overnight accommodation. Happy birthday to one of India’s greatest batters Sunil Gavaskar.”
“233 international games, 13,214 international runs, 1983 World Cup-winner, First batter to score 10,000 runs in Tests. Here’s wishing Sunil Gavaskar – former #TeamIndia Captain and batting great – a very happy birthday,” BCCI tweeted.
“He was the first to clock 10,000 Test runs and score 13 centuries against West Indies, the most dominating cricketing team in the 1980s. His impeccable shot selection and technique was unmatched. Wishing Sunil Gavaskar a very happy birthday as he turns 73,” Asian Cricket Council said.
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari said: “Birthday greetings to the former Cricketer Padma Bhushan Shri Sunil Gavaskar Ji. May you be blessed with good health and long life.”
Wasim Jaffer: “Happy Birthday to the man who taught us what matters isn’t the size of the man in the fight, but the size of the fight in the man. Have a great day Sunny bhai.”
