One of the most elegant and technically correct batsmen of his time, Gavaskar underwent some of the most rigorous verbal and physical torments of the opposition during the seventies and early eighties to lend Indian cricket the steel and spine it required and get it the respect it deserved. After retiring, he turned into an analyst for TV shows, where he was famous for his clear and rather direct insights.
While the people of India rejoice at the achievement of the T20 World Cup victory, the country also celebrates its legendary cricketer’s 75th birthday.
This incredible cricketer was the first to gain 10,000 Test runs (10028) and the earliest to get 300 Test hundreds (304). In an hour-long conversation over the phone with TOI, Gavaskar speaks on reaching the age of 75, his cricketing journey, and the things that are relevant in the game today.
Reflection as a fitness trainer and cricket lover
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When asked to comment on the matter, Gavaskar promptly retorted,
I was a new-ball bowler, so I didn’t turn anything! Even the two international wickets I have were straight deliveries, which the batter thought would turn but didn’t!
He says,
I don’t think I am fit. I have shoulder and lower back problems, so I can say that I am not fit. I have had shin-splint issues since my playing days. Now we can’t run and have to walk.
Till last year, I aimed to walk 10,000 steps a day, but due to some reason, it has been brought down to 7500 steps a day. I do more than that.
Must have been a divine gift that still remains intact. The only drawback is that at times he gets so engrossed in either the book he is reading or simply listening to music dance on his ear plugs, offensively upsetting people who are attempting to speak to him.
Facing the Bouncers
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I have been a short man all my life, so while in school, all the new-ball bowlers for the opposition wanted to scare the bee jammies off me. I got used to that.
However, when I first toured the West Indies in early 1971, seeing the ball being delivered from such height was a new experience.
Rewards and Recognition
It is terrific to see today’s cricketers get duly rewarded for it is they who bring in the crowds and the sponsors.Thanks for remembering and informing the ‘Internet Generation’ that way back in the 70s we took up cudgels on behalf of the players for better match fees and allowing our wives to travel and stay with us.
Sunil Gavaskar takes immense pride in a representation he and Chetan Chauhan made to the then finance minister, requesting that match fees for playing for India be exempt from taxation. Their advocacy led to a substantial financial benefit for cricketers, resulting in a 75% standard deduction on Test fees and zero tax on ODI fees.
This policy, which significantly eased the financial burden on players, remained in effect until 1998. Gavaskar reflects on this achievement as a crucial step in ensuring that cricketers were fairly compensated for their contributions to the sport and could focus on their performance without the added worry of heavy taxation.
This initiative helped pave the way for better financial security for athletes, allowing them to thrive in their careers.
Also Read: Mohammad Kaif Criticizes Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for T20 World Cup Performance
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