Wishes poured in from all around the world as India’s legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar turned 71 on Friday (July 10). One of the all-time greats played a total of 125 Test matches for the national team. Gavaskar was the first man to score 10,000 runs and 30 centuries in the red-ball format.
The entire cricket fraternity on Friday took to Twitter to wish the ‘Little Master’. Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar started the proceedings and referred Gavaskar as his idol. Tendulkar also recalled the time when he first met Gavaskar.
“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 and wanted to emulate. What a day that was. Wishing you a very happy 71st Birthday sir. Have a healthy and safe year ahead,” tweeted Tendulkar.
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. pic.twitter.com/u06c37ouDh
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 10, 2020
Current Team India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane wrote a heart-warming message and wished the former Indian cricketer.
“Wishing a very happy birthday to Sunil Gavaskar sir. Wish him loads of happiness!” Rahane wrote on Twitter.
Wishing a very happy birthday to Sunil Gavaskar Sir. Wish him loads of happiness!
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) July 10, 2020
Cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar revealed the reason behind his desire to play cricket. He termed Gavaskar as the reason to take this captivating game as a profession.
Why did I want to be batsman & play for India?
Answer : Sunil Gavaskar.Happy Birthday sir! 🙏🙏🙏
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) July 10, 2020
Veteran Indian cricketer VVS Laxman expressed his gratitude to Gavaskar for inspiring him over the years.
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
Former international and member of India’s iconic 1983 World Cup-winning team Madan Lal also wished Gavaskar. He rated the Mumbaikar as one of the best opening batsmen in the world.
Happy Birthday to one the best opening batsmen the world has ever seen! Sunny bhai wishing you the best of health & happiness!! Have a wonderful day! #SunilGavaskar pic.twitter.com/d5FbWEZBXE
— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) July 10, 2020
Mohammad Kaif uploaded an adorable video in which he can be seen enjoying a swimming session with Gavaskar.
Happy birthday, Sunny bhai.
Grew up listening about his legendary tales of batting without a helmet. Now fortunate enough to know him & hear those stories from the man himself.
The man is always at home in the West Indies 😊 pic.twitter.com/usiz7PawhO
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 10, 2020
Here are some other wishes from the cricket fraternity:
Happy Birthday to the Legend! Master of Indian Cricket 🇮🇳
From being the first person to score centuries and achieving many milestones.
You will always be loved by all the Cricket fans🏏
Wish you great health and prosperity🙏 pic.twitter.com/kh2pym3xdT— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) July 10, 2020
Privilege to work and learn from him. #SunilGavaskar #happybirthdaysunilgavaskar https://t.co/h3bD4SOVkk pic.twitter.com/vp17bNvQuM
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) July 10, 2020
Many many happy returns of d day 2 Sunil Gavaskar Sir. D man who has scored d most runs in his debut series, he has scored most of his runs without a helmet in dat era, which is unthinkable. Wish u have a great year ahead Sir. May God always blesses U nd ur family😊#SunilGavaskar pic.twitter.com/lsCHlFsnTZ
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) July 10, 2020
Happy birthday to the legend, #SunilGavaskar sir. You have inspired a generation to take up the sports. Wishing you good health & happiness. pic.twitter.com/Y0WfaEDLcO
— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) July 10, 2020
Happy birthday to one of finest batsman of Indian cricket. Best wishes Sunil Gavaskar sir.
— Umesh Yaadav (@y_umesh) July 10, 2020
A very happy birthday to the greatest & bravest Indian opener of all time , the original little master, and of course an exemplary commentator… sunny bhai #SunilGavaskar pic.twitter.com/NS1GDns6wv
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) July 10, 2020
Happy birthday, Sunny Paaji!
May happiness, laughter and love surround you on your special day and years ahead. #HappyBirthdayGavaskar
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) July 10, 2020
Many happy returns of the day sir! Wishing you good health and a great year ahead. #SunilGavaskar 😇 pic.twitter.com/ZSuk8zjKkt
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) July 10, 2020
https://twitter.com/amolmuzumdar11/status/1281531955633221632
Can you imagine facing the quicks who balls 150kmph without wearing a helmet? Sunny Sir, a childhood hero of mine did it with utmost ease. Huge respect to him and best wishes on his Birthday! #legend #SunilGavaskar Sir. #respect #birthday pic.twitter.com/W5xFpvcmSu
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 10, 2020
