Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar on Friday celebrates his 71st birthday, and wishes and birthday greetings poured in for the legendary batsman. Former and current players in the cricket fraternity took to social media to wish the legend a happy birthday.
The ICC paid tribute to Gavaskar listing out his achievements on its official Twitter handle.
“First Batsman to score 10,000 Test runs, First batsman to score centuries in both innings of a Test thrice, Held the record for most number of Test tons until 2005, First India fielder to claim 100 catches. Happy birthday to legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar,” the ICC tweeted.
💥 First batsman to score 10,000 Test runs
— ICC (@ICC) July 10, 2020
💥 First batsman to score centuries in both innings of a Test thrice
💥 Held the record for most number of Test tons until 2005
💥 First India fielder to claim 100 Test catches
Happy birthday to legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar 🎉 pic.twitter.com/eyMqeSf54n
The BCCI, too, honoured Gavaskar who was part of the 1983 World Cup-winning team led by Kapil Dev.
“World Cup winner, first batsman to score 10,000 Test runs, Most numbers of runs in debut Test series. Happy Birthday to the former team India captain and batting legend, Sunil Gavaskar,” the BCCI tweeted.
🔸 World Cup winner 🏆
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 10, 2020
🔸 First batsman to score 10,000 Test runs 👏
🔸 Most number of runs in debut Test series - 7⃣7⃣4⃣ 🙌
Happy Birthday to the former #TeamIndia captain and batting legend, Sunil Gavaskar! 🎂 pic.twitter.com/CW7ZYLX4aa
Sachin Tendulkar took to Twitter to write a special birthday message for his idol.
“I got to meet my idol Gavaskar Sir for the first time in 1987. As a 13 year old, I couldn’t believe my luck that I was meeting the person I looked up to & wanted to emulate. What a day that was. Wishing you a very happy 71st birthday Sir. Have a healthy & safe year ahead,” Tendulkar tweeted.
I got to meet my idol Gavaskar Sir for the first time in 1987.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 10, 2020
As a 13 year old, I couldn’t believe my luck that I was meeting the person I looked up to & wanted to emulate. What a day that was.😍
Wishing you a very happy 71st birthday Sir. Have a healthy & safe year ahead. pic.twitter.com/u06c37ouDh
Many more happy returns of the day to the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. Thank you for inspiring me over the years and it has been an absolute pleasure spending time with you in the commentary box in the last few years. Wish you a great year ahead. pic.twitter.com/CQTUyXVhq4
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 10, 2020
Gavaskar made his Test debut in 1971 against the West Indies. He represented India in 125 Tests, scoring 10,122 runs, which include 34 Test centuries. He has played 108 ODIs for India scoring 3,092 runs.
