Sunil Gavaskar: Celebrating the Legacy of a Cricket Legend at 76
On July 10, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar celebrated his 76th birthday, reflecting on a career filled with extraordinary records. From being the first batsman to score 10,000 Test runs to holding the record for the most runs in a debut series, Gavaskar's legacy is unparalleled. He remains a significant figure in cricket history, with achievements that continue to inspire future generations. Discover more about his remarkable journey and the records that define his illustrious career.
Jul 10, 2025, 18:48 IST
A Tribute to Sunil Gavaskar on His 76th Birthday
Sunil Gavaskar, one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, celebrated his 76th birthday on July 10. Throughout his career, he set numerous batting records during an era when helmets were not common, and bowlers posed significant threats. Gavaskar's career is adorned with remarkable achievements.
Record Runs on Debut
Gavaskar made his debut against the West Indies during the 1970-71 series. Despite not playing in all five matches of the series, he still holds the record for the most runs scored in a debut series. In the four Tests he played, he amassed 774 runs at an impressive average of 154.8, including four centuries and three half-centuries, with a top score of 220. This record remains unbroken, as no other player has scored more than 774 runs in their debut series.
Fastest to 5000 Test Runs
Another unbroken record by Gavaskar is being the fastest Indian to reach 5000 Test runs. He achieved this milestone in just 95 innings across 56 Tests, placing him fourth on the list of the fastest players to reach 5000 runs in cricket history.
First to 10,000 Test Runs
Gavaskar's stature in cricket is highlighted by his achievement of being the first batsman to score 10,000 Test runs, a feat he accomplished against Pakistan in 1987. His record for the most Test runs stood for a long time until it was surpassed by Sachin Tendulkar, followed by several other players crossing the 10,000-run mark.
Most Test Centuries Against West Indies
He has scored 13 Test centuries against the West Indies, a record that remains unmatched by any other batsman against this team. This figure ranks as the second highest for centuries scored against a single team, with Sir Don Bradman holding the record of 19 centuries against England.
Long-Standing Record of Test Centuries
Gavaskar was the first player in Test history to hit over 33 centuries. Over his career, he played 125 Tests, scoring 10,122 runs, which included 34 centuries and 45 half-centuries. His record for the most Test centuries remained unbroken for a significant period, although many Indian and international players have since joined the ranks.