The batsman who beat Don Bradman’s record. Made an astonishing 774 runs in his debut series. Hit 34 centuries and 10,000 runs in Test cricket at an amazing average of 51.12 runs. At the age of 22 made his debut at Port of Spain with the West Indies with 65 and 67 runs in his first two innings in a Test match. And now at age 51 is still going strong as a popular TV commentator and much read columnist. Is he a legend or a fantasy? Meet Sunil Gavaskar, India’s best loved batsman of all times.

Lokvani caught Sunil Gavaskar at the home of Harry Patel who he describes as his buddy of many years standing and we are truly bowled not only with the man himself but the family who was hosting him. Graciously offering to sign as many autographs as we wished whether it was a cricket bat, a book on cricket or even on his invitation to the Hall of Fame, he talked to us about his cricket days, his recent Hall of Fame Induction and his present day committments.

NG :Congratulations, on your Hall of Fame Induction. Please tell us more on this special moment of your life? Do you visit Boston often?

Gavaskar: I come to Boston very often. I have my good friend Harry Patel and we have known each other since we played University matches. Apparently the Hall of Fame has been here for a while. They have inducted players in the past. Last year it was Vivian Richards. Other players like Garfield Sobers, Geoff Boycott and Anif Muhammad and Lance Gibb have all been inducted. It is a tremendous feeling. I believe it is one of its kind in this world and to think that it is in a country that does not have any international cricket or even a National team. It makes it all the more special. There is an official ceremony where the President inducts the players. There are all sorts of Memorabilia, photos and caps and shoes on display. It was a great moment.

NG: You said in your keynote address that the secret of your success was luck. How about hard work and determination?

Gavaskar: Yes, you definitely need luck in cricket. In my keynote address at the INDIC conference I gave the incidence on how in my very first match I was dropped by the same fielder who had taken a brilliant catch from the earlier batsman. What is that if not luck. Then of course you cash in on the luck and that is where hard work and determination comes in. There is the old saying, the harder you work, the luckier you get. And I think that is definitely true.

NG: Your best cricket moments. Which country did you enjoy playing with and the best venue?

Gavaskar: The West Indies. I enjoyed playing with the West Indies. They are the best in the world and it made it worth while. The crowds are great and sometimes out of control, but they have a unique sense of humor. The best venues have been at the Queens Park at Oval, Port of Spain, and Trinidad which is closer to my heart. Almost every ground in India and the Oval in England. My best cricketing moments have always been of course when India has won. Others were my first matches, in 1979 – 1980 against Pakistan, in 1983 when India won the World Cup and in 1985 in the World Championship.

NG: You have had a lot of firsts towards your credit. To have faced fast bowlers in your time was unheard off. Holding, Jeff Thompson, Lillie to name a few? What was your toughest challenge.

Gavaskar: Opening the batting in fast bowling was very difficult. The fields and the crowds. It wasn’t easy. The determination factor is very important. I remember the words of my captain in the club days who said. “Give the first hour to the bowlers because the next five hours will be yours”. It was a very sensible suggestion. The ball in the beginning is always hard and new. It gives a chance to the batsman to get you feet together. The longer you stay on the crease, the more comfortable you are, and then you capitalize. No bowlers were ever the same. Each time they have a different strategy and a batsman has always to think one step ahead. It is a mental game not so much as chess perhaps but you are still trying to read what is in the bowlers mind, who is trying to upset you. The difference between first class bowling at every level,is you have to have the ‘never give up’ attitude. It is the temperamental factor that is important. You cannot get upset by the bowler and you have to grit your teeth and carry on.

NG:Tell us something about your growing up. Did you happen to like any other sport before cricket.

Gavaskar: Cricket has been very much a major part of my life. It sort of engulfed me. I did not every think of any other career option. Those days the commercial interest was less. Since I was 11 years old it has engulfed me totally.

NG: About your family. Has the legacy been passed on?

Gavaskar: My son Rohan is playing first class cricket for Bengal. He is also trying to play for India.

NG: Here the motto is ‘Catch them young’ and train them. How are we developing and training young cricket players in India?

Gavaskar: I am very keen on mentoring young players. Right now my TV commitments hinder me from doing that. I follow the Indian team where ever they tour. I think it is very important to train the 14 to 22 years age group because you can mould them well and they have the temperament for it. The Indian Junior cricket is very well organized in India. The TRDO (Talent Research Development Offices) are present in every State and Dilip Vensarkar is the Chief. The Indian cricket board is trying to spot talent not only in the major cities but also in the interiors of India. The results will of course show after 7 to 10 years.

NG:You are also an excellent mimic. Can you share some other interests or hobbies that you have?

Gavaskar: Mimic is only for fun. I follow tennis, golf and do watch baseball when I come here. I don’t have a favorite team. I enjoy watching basketball. I read a lot. I devour books, novels and biographies of other players. My only condition has been that the print had to be big. Since our eyes were to be sharp for seeing the ball, I did not want to strain them.

NG:Your favorite cricket players or those that inspired you?

Gavaskar: M.L Jaisimha, Rohan Kanhai, Gary Sobers. My heroes also changed according to the team I played with at that time.

NG: Was touring difficult with out your family?

Gavaskar: I took my wife whenever I toured. My parents came to some of the matches. It is very much like going to work. You play and at the end of the day you are with your family. In the 70’s families were not allowed so much but they could join us after the initial two or three weeks.

NG: What did you think of the movie Lagaan ?

Gavaskar:(Laughs) I enjoyed the movie. It was great entertainment.

NG: Who in your opinion is the best cricket player in Indian History

Gavaskar: Well, Kapil Dev has just been honored as the player of the century. He is fantastic both with the bat and ball. I am proud and privileged to have played alongside him.

NG: A word to all your fans here.

Gavaskar: What can I say. Be proud of your roots and be true to the country you live in.

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