Gavaskar’s picks of all time great cricketers
By Sunil Sarpal
Sunil Manohar Gavaskar the last word in cricket
India is a cricket crazy country and cricket is considered a religion here. The cricket stars are idolized and worshipped in India. Stadia chant the names of Sachin, Mahi and Virat whenever they appear on the ground. People just go crazy to witness the exploits of their stars. The followers derive some kind of energy to live their lives watching their idols.
Recently, in an interview, Sunil Gavaskar was asked to name three players who impressed him the most in life. Gavaskar named the following players :-
Sir Garfield Sobers
1) According to Gavaskar, first comes Sir Garfield Sobers. A SouthPaw, he could bowl spin and pace in equal measure. He could don the gloves behind the stumps too. Sobers was exceptionally athletic hence a smart fielder. He was a treat to watch with the bat.
2) Gavaskar rated GR Vishwanath as second in ranking. Vishu during his playing days scored centuries on difficult wickets. Gavaskar rates Vishu a much better batsman than him.
Kapil Dev and GR Vishwanath
3) Third in the ranking is Kapil Dev. Gavaskar opines that Kapil was a genuine swing bowler and could win matches of his own single handedly. He was a talented batsman too in attacking mode. He could win matches as a batsman too. Kapil was an extraordinary athlete and his fielding was of a very high class. In his illustrious career, he never missed a match due to injury. He was the India captain in 1983 when India lifted the One- day-cup.
Sunil Manohar Gavaskar has been a street smart cricketer, commentator and expert. His views are unbiased and should not be taken in a lighter vein. His cricketing assessment and class is unparalleled. He is an astute student of the game of cricket and a cricketing school unto himself.
This interview suggests that these three past cricketers need be given more responsibility either to run the cricket academies or impart their valuable knowledge to budding cricketers thru lectures etc.
One can take a cue from the Dennis Lillee run MRF Pace Academy. This academy trains fast bowlers under the watchful eye of Aussie legend Dennis Lillee. MRF has produced a record number of International bowlers.
Recently, Afghanistan has performed exceptionally well in the just concluded ICC Trophy. Afghanistan has been able to do so because India’s ex cricketer Ajay Jadeja is their coach.
The above three players were Gavaskar’s picks. What are yours? Post your picks in the comment box below.
I rate Viv richards very highly because he did not use halmet against lillee and Thomson. Imran, Wasim and waqar.
Gavaskar has faced hostile attack which perhaps Sachin did not. Gavaskar opened too and stayed alone on the drowning India ship. He has seen vishu play from the other end. So did he see Kapil. Sobers is a phenomena who will not appear again. I think he should have included Richards and Martin Crowe. But Richards did not face West Indies bowlers which both Vishu and Kapil did
Gavaskar was a great opener no doubt, wonderful Commentator himself and so is his choice too , unmatched.
Sir Donald Bradman could not find space in his choice surprises me. Of course Gavaskar did not watch him but what I like the most in Bradman is that he too faced bodyline bowling & survived without modern trainning & tools. Kapil Dev As an all-rounder plus man with greatest sporting spirits .
The article is good
Thanks for your erudite scholarly comments
Mine also are g.r.vishwanath, Kapil Dev, m.s.dhoni
Interesting
1. Gary Sobers
2. Kapil Deb
3. Sachin Tendulkar
Interesting
My choice:
1. Sir Donald Bradman. His average of 99.9 will probably stand the test of time for years to come.
2. Sunil Gavaskar. He stood tall and scored heavily against one of the most fearsome bowling attack in the world..the mighty West Indies.
3. Kapil Dev. A true all rounder. He was a stand out in the Indian cricketers as a genuine pace bowler who could swing the ball. India were not known for pace bowlers then. His batting and fielding were top class.
4. And though not asked for, no. 4 would be Tendulkar. His stroke play was such a delight to watch. He was only 16 when he was hit on the face by a ball from Waqar Younis, bloodied, he refused to leave the field and continued batting. Such courage and determination. By the age of 23 years he had scored 22 centuries. So he deserves to be mentioned.