Cricket

Sunil Gavaskar's infamous walkout during the 1981 Melbourne Test against Australia remains etched in cricket history as a moment of high drama and controversy. The incident unfolded during the third Test of India's tour of Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).Gavaskar, India's captain and opening batsman, was batting with Chetan Chauhan when he was controversially given out LBW (leg before wicket) by Australian umpire Rex Whitehead. The ball, bowled by Dennis Lillee, appeared to have hit Gavaskar's bat before striking his pads.Enraged by the decision, Gavaskar initially stood his ground, expressing his displeasure. However, after an animated exchange with Lillee, an incensed Gavaskar started walking off. In a moment of high tension, he gestured to his partner, Chauhan, to leave the field with him in protest against the umpire's decision.As Gavaskar and Chauhan began to walk off, the Indian team manager, Shahid Durrani, intervened, calming the situation and persuading Chauhan to continue playing. Gavaskar eventually left the field, but Chauhan returned to bat, avoiding a potential forfeit.India went on to win the match by 59 runs, thanks to a remarkable bowling performance by Kapil Dev, who took five wickets in Australia's second innings. The victory was only India's third Test win on Australian soil at that time.However, the walkout remains a controversial episode in Gavaskar's illustrious career, reflecting the intensity and pressure of international cricket during that era. Forty years later, Gavaskar revealed the real reason behind his walkout, stating that it was the Australian players' 'get lost' call, and not his LBW dismissal, that prompted him to walk off the ground with his opening partner.The incident highlights the challenges and controversies that can arise in the heat of international competition, where emotions run high and decisions can have a significant impact on the outcome of a match.

Legendary Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticized recent comments suggesting that England's Joe Root could surpass Sachin Tendulkar as the leading run-scorer in men's Test cricket. Gavaskar argues that such remarks are disrespectful and that the Indian cricket community should respond with aggression.Gavaskar points out that it is common for crowds to be silent when their team is not performing well, regardless of nationality. He suggests that the criticism of Indian crowds is unfair and that it should be countered with a more assertive approach.The former England captain Michael Vaughan had previously stated that Root could become the top run-getter in Tests and that the BCCI would use its influence to ensure that an Indian batter retained the record. Gavaskar dismisses this claim, stating that the BCCI is committed to promoting Test cricket and that the IPL's success does not diminish its interest in the longer format.Gavaskar also questions the logic behind the suggestion that Test cricket would be better if Root broke Tendulkar's record. He argues that Tendulkar's achievements are a testament to the greatness of Indian cricket and that it is not necessary for an Englishman to hold the record for the sport to thrive.Finally, Gavaskar expresses skepticism about the ICC's decision to host the World Test Championship final at Lord's in 2025. He notes that the venue has been changed twice before when England was not likely to qualify for the final. Gavaskar suggests that the ICC may be biased towards England and that the final should be held at a neutral venue.

Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar: A Legacy of Mutual Respect and AdmirationIndian cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar share an unbreakable bond forged by their mutual respect and admiration. As two of the greatest batsmen to grace the game, their relationship transcends generations and serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers.Gavaskar, Tendulkar's childhood idol, recognized his immense potential early on. He praised Tendulkar's exceptional batting skills, unwavering discipline, and relentless work ethic. Gavaskar saw in Tendulkar the torchbearer of Indian cricket, destined to surpass his own legacy.In a viral video, Gavaskar boldly predicted Tendulkar's future greatness. "If he does not get a minimum of 15,000 runs and 40 Test centuries, I shall personally go and strangle him," Gavaskar declared. "He's got that much talent."Tendulkar, humbled by Gavaskar's expectations, responded with a determined smile, "I'll be trying my best."True to Gavaskar's prophecy, Tendulkar shattered numerous records, including Gavaskar's own tally of 34 Test centuries. He amassed an astonishing 15921 runs and 51 centuries in 200 Test matches, and 18426 runs in 463 ODIs.Tendulkar has always held Gavaskar in high esteem, crediting him as one of his primary inspirations. He admired Gavaskar's technical brilliance and resilience, acknowledging his significant contribution to Indian cricket.Their relationship is built on a shared passion for the game and a deep respect for each other's achievements. Tendulkar views Gavaskar as a mentor, while Gavaskar takes pride in Tendulkar's accomplishments.The bond between Gavaskar and Tendulkar is a testament to the enduring legacy of Indian cricket. It serves as a reminder that even the greatest of players can inspire and support one another, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and excellence that continues to inspire generations of cricketers.

England's Revenge Tour: Botham's Record-Breaking Performance and Gavaskar's InjuryIn 1982, the England cricket team embarked on a tour of India, seeking redemption after their disappointing performance in the previous series. Despite losing both Tests and ODIs, England was determined to turn the tables.The first Test at Lord's proved to be a close contest, with Dilip Vengsarkar scoring a century for India. However, England's pace duo of Bob Willis and Ian Botham proved too strong, leading their team to victory.The second Test in Manchester ended in a high-scoring draw, curtailed by rain. The third Test at the Oval witnessed a remarkable performance by Botham, who set a new record for the fastest double century, reaching the milestone in just 220 balls. Kapil Dev also impressed with a blistering 97 off 93 balls, but the match ultimately ended in a draw.Beyond his record-breaking performance, Botham also made headlines for an unfortunate incident. While fielding at silly point, he smashed a drive off Ravi Shastri into the left leg of Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, breaking his tibia. Gavaskar was immediately taken off the field and later diagnosed with a broken tibia above the left ankle."I knew I'd hit it hard. I'm sorry to have put Sunny out of the Test," Botham reportedly said at the close of play.The injury to Gavaskar was a major blow to India, and England capitalized on the opportunity to win the series 1-0. Botham's all-round performance, including his record-breaking double century and the unfortunate injury to Gavaskar, made this series a memorable one in the annals of cricket history.

India vs Pakistan: Gavaskar Recounts Miandad's Hilarious Room Number PrankThe rivalry between India and Pakistan on the cricket field has produced countless memorable moments, both on and off the pitch. One such incident, hilariously narrated by former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, has become a legend in cricketing folklore.During an appearance on Kapil Sharma's show 'Comedy Nights with Kapil' alongside former India opener Virender Sehwag, Gavaskar shared the story with his trademark wit. The incident occurred during a Test match between India and Pakistan in Bangalore."There was a very good Indian spinner who was making a comeback after being dropped from the previous tour," Gavaskar began. "Javed Miandad, a legendary Pakistani batsman, was known for his aggression and ability to get under the skin of the opposition."Miandad, sensing the bowler's potential threat on the turning pitch, devised a plan to unsettle him. "Every time he defended the ball and it rolled back towards the bowler, he would ask: 'Eh, tera room number kya hai, room number?'" Gavaskar recalled, imitating Miandad's lisping speech."Syed Kirmani, India's wicketkeeper at the time, was perplexed by this behavior. He asked me, 'Yeh kya ho raha hai?' I replied, 'Kiri, Javed ne shuru kiya hai, Javed hi khatam karega, hum thoda intezar karenge,'" Gavaskar said.The bowler's frustration grew with each repetition of the question. Finally, he snapped and asked Miandad, "Kyu, room number kyu chahiye?"Miandad's response was both witty and intimidating: "Kyuki tere room mei mere ko six maarne ka hai."The audience erupted in laughter, and the bowler was left visibly shaken. Miandad's psychological ploy had worked, and he went on to play a crucial role in Pakistan's victory.This incident is a testament to the unique rivalry between India and Pakistan, where even the most serious of matches can be punctuated by moments of humor and camaraderie.

India's dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to continue, according to former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar. India has not lost the trophy since 2014-15, and Gavaskar predicts a 3-1 victory for India in the upcoming five-Test series against Australia.India's tour Down Under begins with the first Test in Perth on November 22. Rohit Sharma's team will aim to retain the trophy and complete a hat-trick of Test series wins on Australian soil.Gavaskar believes Australia's opening batting combination will be a concern, with the retirement of David Warner. He also cautions India about the importance of a confident start, as they have historically been slow starters outside the subcontinent.India's preparation for the series has been limited, with no proper practice matches scheduled on the tour. However, they will play an intra-squad warm-up game at the WACA in Perth from November 15-18 and a two-day pink-ball warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra before the day-night second Test in Adelaide.Before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India will play five Tests at home, beginning with the two-match series against Bangladesh and three Tests against New Zealand.

Legendary Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his disappointment over Shikhar Dhawan's retirement from all formats of cricket, stating that the sport will be "poorer" without him. Gavaskar believes that injuries may have played a role in Dhawan's decision to step away from the game.Dhawan, affectionately known as "Gabbar," was a prolific run-scorer across formats for India and in domestic leagues. He made significant contributions to India's cricketing success over the years, amassing 6,793 runs in 167 ODIs, 2,315 runs in 34 Tests, and 1,759 runs in T20Is.Gavaskar noted that Dhawan's retirement is a reminder of the challenges faced by opening batters, who can be dropped from the team after a lean series or tournament. He also acknowledged that injuries have been a part of Dhawan's career in recent years, which may have influenced his decision to quit while still enjoying the game.Dhawan played a crucial role in several tournaments for India, including the victorious 2013 Champions Trophy campaign in England. He was also the leading run-scorer for India in numerous other major tournaments, such as the 2014 Asia Cup, 2015 ODI World Cup, 2017 Champions Trophy, and 2018 Asia Cup.Apart from his contributions with the bat, Dhawan also led India on occasions when senior players were unavailable. In domestic leagues, he represented several teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), including Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. Dhawan is the second-highest run-getter in the IPL, only behind Virat Kohli.Gavaskar believes that Dhawan can still bring joy to fans in various roles, such as through the Legends Cricket League and philanthropic ventures. He also noted that retired cricketers today have more opportunities to stay connected with the game.Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His cheerful demeanor and positive attitude will be missed by teammates and fans alike. However, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.

Sachin Tendulkar's Historic Moment: Equaling Sunil Gavaskar's Test Century RecordIn the annals of Indian cricket, the names Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar stand tall as legendary figures. Both have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring generations of cricketers with their exceptional batting prowess.In 2004, during the first Test against Bangladesh at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, Tendulkar etched his name into history by equaling Gavaskar's record of 34 Test centuries. This momentous achievement marked a significant milestone in Tendulkar's illustrious career.Gavaskar, known as the "Little Master," was the first Indian cricketer to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket. His 34 Test centuries stood as a testament to his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Tendulkar, the "Master Blaster," carried forward this legacy, becoming a global icon with his aggressive batting style and remarkable longevity.The first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh witnessed several historic moments. Anil Kumble surpassed Kapil Dev's record of 434 wickets to become India's leading Test wicket-taker. Irfan Pathan registered his first ten-wicket haul in Tests, showcasing his all-round abilities.However, it was Tendulkar's performance that stole the show. Despite being dropped twice, he went on to score a magnificent 248*, his career-best Test score. His innings was a masterclass in batting, featuring 35 boundaries and crucial partnerships with Sourav Ganguly and Zaheer Khan.Tendulkar's century not only equaled Gavaskar's record but also highlighted his unwavering determination and ability to rise to the occasion. He played a pivotal role in India's comprehensive victory by an innings and 140 runs.Tendulkar's legacy extends far beyond his record-breaking achievements. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, holding the record for the most runs in both Test and ODI cricket. His 100 international centuries (51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs) stand as a testament to his exceptional skill and longevity.

Former India coach and Australian legend Greg Chappell has joined the chorus of cricketing greats sending messages of support to Anshuman Gaekwad, the former India batsman and coach who is battling blood cancer. In a heartfelt video message, Chappell expressed his admiration for Gaekwad's fighting spirit, both on and off the field."Hi Anshuman, it's Greg Chappell here from Australia. Very sorry to hear about your health problems at the moment. But no doubt, all your family are giving you great support, and all your friends will be sending you lots of love as well," Chappell said."But more than that, the cricket community from around the world and particularly those that played against you and those who saw you play will be sending lots of positive energy your way as well. So no doubt, you got lots of fighting spirit. You showed that plenty of times on the cricket field. That fighting spirit is going to coming in handy now. But all of the positive energy that's coming your away from all around the world will no doubt help. I look forward to hearing some good news, so cheers!"Gaekwad, 71, is currently hospitalized in Baroda after undergoing treatment for blood cancer at the King's College Hospital in London. He has received an outpouring of support from the cricketing fraternity, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, Clive Lloyd, Andy Roberts, Farokh Engineer, Dilip Vengsarkar, Roger Binny, Mohinder Amarnath, Sandeep Patil, Karsan Ghavri, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, and actor Nana Patekar."The messages dad received from these greats were not just emotional, but assuring that he'll be fine soon. Dad is feeling much better now, and asked me to call and thank each one of these greats for this gesture. His vital organs are stable, and he wants to go home," Gaekwad's son Shatrunjay told TOI.The BCCI has provided Rs 1 crore for Gaekwad's treatment, while the India's 1983 World Cup-winning team has also collected funds for him. "We all made an effort, did whatever we could do, because help begins at home. We've a whatsaap group of the 1983 team, where we spoke about it, and we contributed our pensions. We did it because we are all enamoured by 'Charlie' Anshuman Gaekwad. He was a gutsy player. People like him and Jimmy (Mohinder) Amarnath are role models for many of us. The way he conducted himself on a cricket field, facing the fiercest of fast bowlers, getting hit on the head and the body," said Kirti Azad, a member of that side.Gaekwad played 40 Test matches for India, scoring 1985 runs at an average of 30.07, and 269 runs in 15 ODIs. He is known for his fearless batting and his ability to play spin bowling with ease.