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Sunil Gavaskar Turns 74: Little Master's Top 5 Test Knocks

image-lju24f8bSunil Gavaskar is among the best batters to have graced the sport

As the legendary Sunil Gavaskar turns 74, it's time to reminisce and celebrate his significant contributions to the game. Gavaskar's illustrious career spanning over 16 years has created a peerless legacy and it continues to inspire generations of aspiring cricketers.

Renowned for his unflinching temperament and flawless technique, Gavaskar emerged as a batting sensation during an era dominated by fearsome pace bowlers. He not only withstood the ferocious deliveries from the likes of Dennis Lillee, Andy Roberts, and Michael Holding but also scored heavily against them, earning him the title of the "Little Master."

From his epic debut century against the West Indies to his monumental 221 against England, Gavaskar's ability to dominate the best bowling attacks with sheer class remained unmatched.

In honour of Gavaskar's 74th birthday, let’s take a look at his top five best knocks in Test cricket.

1. 220 vs West Indies in Port of Spain (1971)

The 1971 series in the Caribbean held an iconic significance in Indian cricket, being remembered most notably for the emergence of the prodigious talent, Sunil Gavaskar. After scoring his maiden century during the series, the final Test of the series in Port of Spain was where the 'Little Master' truly made his mark.

With India trailing by 166 in the first innings, Gavaskar opened the batting and displayed exceptional control, balance, and a judicious blend of attack and defense. His monumental knock of 220 was marked by meticulous footwork and precise shot selection, a radiant display of his technical acumen. With each elegant cover drive and glance down the leg side, Gavaskar hushed the critics and underlined his credentials as a world-class opener. His innings held the Indian second innings together and helped India draw the game and win the five-match series 1-0.

2. 236* vs West Indies in Madras (now Chennai) (1983)

Sunil Gavaskar's innings of 236 not out against West Indies in the 1983 Test match in Chennai holds a special place in cricket history, as it was a game where he set and broke multiple records. Coming into bat at 0/2, Gavaskar stepped up to the crease and produced an extraordinary performance for the ages. Facing the fiery pace of Malcolm Marshall, Gavaskar displayed his batting brilliance.

The Indian veteran batted for 425 balls, scoring an unbeaten 236 runs. This monumental score not only became Gavaskar's highest ever in Test cricket but also marked his 30th Test century, surpassing Don Bradman on the list of century-makers. His double century played a crucial role in India's first innings total of 451, in response to West Indies' 313. The match ultimately ended in a draw, with West Indies reaching 64/1 in their second innings.


3. 221 against England at The Oval (1979)

Gavaskar's magnum opus came in 1979 when India were set a mammoth target of 438 runs against England. The Little Master stepped up, producing an innings of exceptional quality and control. Gavaskar's footwork against the swinging and seaming deliveries was a spectacle in itself.

The legendary batter’s 221-run knock, laced with 21 boundaries, kept India in the hunt until the very end. The innings eventually ended in an agonizingly close draw, with India just 9 runs short of the target. But it was Gavaskar's marathon effort that kept England on its toes. The very fact that India was able to come so close to such a colossal target against a robust English bowling attack shows the greatness of Gavaskar’s knock.

4. 102 vs West Indies in Port of Spain (1976)

A battle against the menacing West Indies in the 70s was no less than a test of fire for any cricketing nation. The first innings saw the Caribbeans setting up a total of 359 in the first innings, courtesy of Sir Vivian Richards' explosive 177. India, in response, were bowled out at 228 with Michael Holding's lethal bowling clinching 6 wickets. The second innings saw Alvin Kallicharan scoring a ton, nudging the target for India to a ginormous 403. Achieving such a target even in the modern era would pose a challenge, let alone against the intimidating West Indies pace battery of the 70s.

But the Indians refused to follow the anticipated script that day. At the forefront of this defiance was Gavaskar, who put on a display of sheer determination and technique. His fighting century, a knock of 102, set the stage for a magnificent chase. When he walked back, India was at a stable 177/2, laying the groundwork for the following batsmen. Contributions from Mohinder Amarnath (85), Gundappa Viswanath (112), and Brijesh Patel (49*) saw the team home and this win is remembered as one of the most memorable and audacious chases in Test cricket history.

5. 166 vs Pakistan in Madras (now Chennai) (1980)

The year 1980 saw Sunil Gavaskar at his absolute best in a match against the arch-rivals, Pakistan, in Chennai. The encounter is remembered for Gavaskar's dogged 166* that underlined the sheer resilience and belief that made him one of the greatest openers the game has ever seen. Pakistan, having won the toss, elected to bat and posted a competitive score of 272. The stage was set for India's reply, and it was Gavaskar who took charge.

Patiently crafting his innings, Gavaskar dealt with the Pakistani bowlers with his characteristic calm, registering an unbeaten 166 off 373 balls. His knock steered India to a first-innings lead, with the total reaching 430. Pakistan, in their second innings, could only manage 233, setting India a modest target of 76. The Indian batsmen made light work of the chase, cruising to victory without losing a wicket.