Happy Birthday Sunil Gavaskar: Five records held by batting maestro

Sunil Gavaskar, one of the greatest opener and celebrated Indian cricketer turned 66 today. The batting maestro had many titles and records against his name before quitting the game in November 1987. The cricketing icon served 16 years to the Indian cricket. His contribution will never be forgotten in the history of Indian cricket. He was also conferred of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan by the Govt of India.

Let’s look at some of his records:

1-      First man score 10,000 runs in Test Cricket- Gavaskar was the first man to score 10,000 runs in the Test cricket. In 1987 he achieved the feat against arch-rivals Pakistan. He finished his career at his best of 10,122 runs.

2-      34 centuries in Test cricket- The right handed opener scored 34 centuries in 125 Test matches.  The record was broken by Sachin Tendulkar in 2005.

3-      13 centuries against West Indies-  In 80s West Indies were invincible side but Gavaskar scored 13 centuries against them in 27 matches played.

4-       Most runs in West Indies- He is the only man till date to score 774 against West Indies in a series at a time when the pitches were uncovered.

5-      1st Indian to carry the bat- In 1983, he scored 127 not out in the Faisalabad Test against Pakistan and carried his bat throughout the innings.