Throughout his illustrious career, he amassed a record-breaking tally of 10,122 runs and notched up 34 centuries in the longest format of the game. Today, we take a glance at eight of his best-ever knocks across all formats that left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
1. 220 against West Indies, Port of Spain, 1971
At the tender age of 21, Gavaskar left an indomitable impression on the cricketing fraternity during his debut series against the formidable West Indies.
In the final Test, he showcased his immense talent by scoring a remarkable 220 runs in India’s second innings, with only one other batsman managing a fifty-plus score. This outstanding performance helped India secure a draw and achieve their first-ever series win in the Caribbean.
2. 102 against West Indies, Port of Spain, 1976
In one of India’s most memorable Test victories, Gavaskar played a pivotal role. His brilliant knock of 102 in the final innings set the stage for Gundappa Viswanath to guide India to a historic chase of 403 runs against the mighty West Indies, a record at that time.
This innings showcased Gavaskar’s ability to perform under immense pressure and his determination to steer his team to victory. Also, his hunger for runs and ability to adapt to conditions were on another level considering the time he played in.
3. 113 against Australia, Brisbane, 1977
In a tense final chase against Australia, Gavaskar displayed his mettle with a remarkable century. Chasing 341 runs for victory in the final innings at Brisbane, Gavaskar stood firm against the Australian attack, facing 264 balls.
However, despite his valiant efforts, India fell short by a mere 16 runs. Gavaskar’s innings left a lasting impression as he fought till the end, refusing to surrender. He faced bowlers like Jeff Thomson and Wayne Clarke in that fourth innings ton.
4. 221 against England, The Oval, 1979
Considered one of Gavaskar’s finest innings, his magnificent 221 came in the final innings of a Test match against England. With India chasing a daunting target of 438, Gavaskar’s masterclass gave hope to Indian fans around the world.
Such was the impact of his innings that the renowned commentator, Sushil Doshi, urged the faint-hearted listeners to switch off their radios as India inched closer to a historic victory. However, Gavaskar’s dismissal triggered a collapse, and India settled for a draw, a mere nine runs away from a record-breaking win.
5. 236* against West Indies, Chennai, 1983
Gavaskar’s highest Test score of 236* stands as a testament to his brilliance. Against a formidable West Indies bowling attack in Chennai, Gavaskar walked in at No.4 and single-handedly carried the Indian innings, accounting for more than 50% of the team’s total.
Although the match ended in a draw, Gavaskar’s 30th Test hundred surpassed Don Bradman’s record, making him Test cricket’s most prolific century-maker.
Sunil Gavaskar’s contributions to the game of cricket are etched in history, and his ability to perform under pressure and lead his team to victory is a testament to his greatness. He was never a new face to record breaking innings.
These five innings exemplify Gavaskar’s skill, resilience, and cricketing talent, solidifying his place as one of the all-time legends of the sport. The era may have changed but the cricket history books will always remember the name Sunil Gavaskar.