On March 7th, 1987, Sunil Gavaskar etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first batsman to reach the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket. His enduring legacy and contribution to Indian cricket were celebrated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on the same date, 36 years later, with a heartfelt tribute.
Hailing from Mumbai, Gavaskar’s Test journey began in 1971 at the age of 21 against the West Indies. Renowned for his impeccable technique and unwavering concentration, he rapidly emerged as one of India’s premier batsmen. Over the subsequent 16 years, Gavaskar solidified his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
The historic day at Ahmedabad saw Gavaskar, facing the formidable Pakistani bowlers, reach the crease with 9,997 runs to his name. Undeterred, he faced the challenges head-on, completing the remaining three runs and etching his name in the annals of cricket history.
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In a fitting tribute, the BCCI surprised Gavaskar with a celebratory cake in the commentary box, commemorating the day he achieved the historic feat. Expressing his gratitude, Gavaskar acknowledged the significance of March 7 in his cricketing journey.
#OnThisDay in 1987, the legendary Sunil Gavaskar became the first cricketer to complete 1⃣0⃣0⃣0⃣0⃣ Test runs 👏 👏
Today, in the Comm Box, he celebrated that special moment in style 🎂#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/dtFHo4ZuC3
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 7, 2024
“This is terrific. I want to thank the BCCI for remembering this day. It’s a memorable day for me, reaching the 10,000-run mark on the 7th of March 1987,” said Sunil Gavaskar in a video posted by BCCI. He further noted that the day held additional importance as it marked the anniversary of his first half-century for India in Test cricket.
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Acknowledging the dual celebration, Sunil Gavaskar extended his congratulations to Ravichandran Ashwin, who coincidentally marked his 100th Test appearance on the same day. “So, it’s really a special day not just for me or Ashwin but for Indian cricket. I hope we end this Test match with another win. Thank you, BCCI, thank you all for the support and affection throughout my career,” expressed Gavaskar.
Sunil Gavaskar’s journey to 10,000 Test runs was not merely a personal triumph but a pivotal moment in the narrative of Indian cricket. His record-breaking feat paved the way for modern cricketing stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, reflecting the enduring impact of Gavaskar’s contribution to the sport.
