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On the occasion of his 75th birthday, Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian batsman, took a nostalgic journey back through his illustrious career, revealing a unique perspective on his most cherished Test innings. While Gavaskar is renowned for his 34 Test centuries, a record that stood for 18 years before being surpassed by Sachin Tendulkar, he surprisingly considers two of his favorite knocks to be not centuries but scores of 57 and 86.
These seemingly modest numbers hold immense significance for Gavaskar. The 57, scored against England in 1971 at Old Trafford, was achieved in a particularly challenging environment. The pitch was fast, grassy, and bouncy, while the conditions were wet, freezing cold, and played out in the backdrop of a superstition that prevented Gavaskar from wearing a sweater. Despite the adversity, Gavaskar's resilience shone through, culminating in a crucial innings that contributed to India's eventual 1-0 series win.
His 86 not out against West Indies in 1976 at Port of Spain, however, is a testament to his sheer class and batting prowess. In a chase of 404 runs, Gavaskar's fluent strokeplay and relentless determination guided India to a remarkable victory. The innings was so masterful that even after reaching 86, Gavaskar struggled for an hour to score the next 16 runs, highlighting the pressure he faced and the intensity of the chase.
These two innings, while not centuries, stand as stark reminders of Gavaskar's ability to adapt to diverse situations and deliver when it mattered most. They are as important to him as his many centuries, showcasing his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to success.
Apart from his own achievements, Gavaskar acknowledges the exceptional contributions of other Indian greats. He reminisces about Gundappa Viswanath's crucial 97 not out and his century against the formidable West Indies in the 1970s, highlighting Viswanath's ability to counter the fiery pace attack. He also praises Kapil Dev's 175 not out against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup, a performance that marked a turning point in Indian cricket.
Furthermore, Gavaskar acknowledges the brilliance of Sachin Tendulkar, lauding his 114 in the Perth Test against Australia in 1992. This innings demonstrated Tendulkar's mastery over tough conditions, showcasing his ability to adapt to different situations and rise to the occasion. Lastly, Gavaskar remembers Virender Sehwag's incredible 293 against Sri Lanka in 2009, an innings that epitomized Sehwag's aggressive and fearless batting style.
By acknowledging these significant innings by his teammates, Gavaskar not only pays tribute to their individual brilliance but also emphasizes the collective effort that shaped Indian cricket. He understands that the game is not solely about individual triumphs but about the contributions of every player and the camaraderie that binds them together. His words serve as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, reminding them that every moment on the field, every run scored, and every wicket taken, contributes to the larger narrative of the game.