Sunil Gavaskar Biography Little Master of Indian Cricket

Sunil Gavaskar Indian Cricket Biography Daddy

Sunil Gavaskar:-  Full Name Sunil Manohar Gavaskar, fondly known as the “Little Master,” is one of the greatest cricketers in history. He was the first batsman to score 10,000 Test runs and held the record for the most Test centuries (34) before it was broken by Sachin Tendulkar. Gavaskar’s impeccable technique, fearless batting against fierce fast bowlers, and consistency made him a cricketing icon.

Beyond his playing career, he has been a celebrated commentator, cricket administrator, and mentor. This biography covers his life, career, achievements, and influence on the game.

2. Early Life and Education

1. • Full Name: Sunil Manohar Gavaskar
   • Born: July 10, 1949, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India
   • Father: Manohar Gavaskar (a former club cricketer)
   • Mother: Meenal Gavaskar
   • Education:
     • St. Xavier’s High School, Mumbai
     • St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai (Bachelor’s in Arts)
     • Later pursued a law degree but left to focus on cricket

Gavaskar showed early promise in cricket, influenced by his uncle, Madhav Mantri, a former Indian Test cricketer. He played school and college cricket before rising through the ranks in domestic cricket.

3. Cricket Career

Domestic Career

1. • Played for Mumbai (Bombay) in the Ranji Trophy
   • Debuted in 1966-67 and became a mainstay for the team
   • Scored 246* in his debut first-class season (vs Karnataka)
   • Led Mumbai to multiple Ranji Trophy wins

International Debut and Rise

1. • Test Debut: March 6, 1971, vs West Indies (Port of Spain)
     • Scored 774 runs in his debut series (4 Tests, avg. 154.80) – a record for a debutant
     • Helped India win its first Test series vs West Indies
   • ODI Debut: July 13, 1974, vs England (Leeds)

Record-Breaking Achievements

1. • First to 10,000 Test runs (finished with 10,122 runs at avg. 51.12)
   • Held the record for most Test centuries (34) until surpassed by Tendulkar
   • Scored 13 centuries against the West Indies, the most by any batsman vs a single team
   • Only player to score centuries in both innings of a Test three times
   • Highest score: 236 vs West Indies (1983, Chennai)*

Captaincy

1. • Led India in 47 Tests (9 wins, 8 losses, 30 draws)
   • Captained India to victory in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket
   • Known for his defensive strategies but also nurtured young talents like Kapil Dev

Retirement

1. • Last Test: March 13, 1987, vs Pakistan (Bangalore)
   • Last ODI: November 5, 1987, vs England (Wankhede, Mumbai)

4. Post-Retirement Career

Commentary and Journalism

1. • Became a renowned commentator (Star Sports, ESPN, Sony)
   • Known for his sharp analysis and witty remarks
   • Wrote columns for major newspapers and authored books

Coaching and Administration

1. • Served as chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee
   • Worked as a mentor for the Indian cricket team
   • Briefly served as interim BCCI president (2014)

5. Social Media Presence

Sunil Gavaskar is not very active on social media but has official profiles:

1. • Twitter (X): @SunilGavaskar (Verified, 3.5M followers)
   • Instagram: Rarely active
   • Facebook: Official fan pages exist

6. Net Worth and Brand Endorsements

1. • Estimated Net Worth (2024): $30 million (₹250 crore)
   • Sources of Income:
     • Cricket contracts (during playing days)
     • Commentary and media roles
     • Brand endorsements (Britannia, Boost, MRF, etc.)
     • Books and columns

7. Personal Life and Family

1. • Wife: Marshneil Gavaskar (m. 1974)
   • Son: Rohan Gavaskar (former cricketer)
   • Daughter-in-law: Swati Gavaskar (married to Rohan)
   • Known for his disciplined lifestyle and love for classical music

8. Awards and Honors

1. • Padma Bhushan (1980)
   • Colonel C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award (2012)
   • ICC Cricket Hall of Fame (2009)
   • Bharat Gaurav Award

9. Legacy and Influence on Cricket

1. • Revolutionized opening batting in Test cricket
   • Inspired generations (Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, etc.)
   • Set benchmarks for technique and consistency
   • One of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Century (2000)

10. 10. Unique Facts and Lesser-Known Stories
    1. Nicknamed “Sunny” by his teammates for his cheerful nature.
    2. Played with a heavy bat (around 3 lbs) despite his small frame.
    3. Once batted 60 overs for 36 to save a Test* (vs England, 1975).
    4. Refused honorary doctorate from a university, saying he hadn’t earned it.
    5. Was nearly kidnapped as a child but escaped due to his quick thinking.
    11. Conclusion

    Sunil Gavaskar remains one of cricket’s greatest legends. His records, discipline, and contributions to Indian cricket make him an immortal figure. Even after retirement, he continues to influence the game as a commentator and mentor. His journey from a Bombay schoolboy to a global cricketing icon is a testament to his skill, determination, and love for the game.