Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s greatest cricketing icons, made history by becoming the first player to score over 10,000 runs in Test cricket. He reached this monumental milestone in 1987, during his final Test series against Pakistan. At the time, Gavaskar had been playing international cricket for over 16 years and was already well-established as one of the most successful batsmen in the world.
Career Overview: Sunil Gavaskar made his Test debut for India in 1971 against the West Indies and quickly established himself as a top-order batsman. Over the next decade and a half, he became known for his impeccable technique, especially against fast bowling. He played a key role in India’s successes on the international stage during the 1970s and 1980s.
10,000 Runs Milestone: Gavaskar reached the 10,000-run mark in his 125th Test match. This achievement came during the third Test of India’s tour of Pakistan in 1987. He finished his career with 10,122 runs, including 34 centuries and 45 half-centuries, in 125 matches.
The Series Against Pakistan: The 1987 series against Pakistan was notable for being Gavaskar’s last in Test cricket. He was already in the twilight of his career but still delivered solid performances, including his final innings in the Test series. His composure and consistency made him a respected figure even in his later years.
Legacy: Gavaskar’s record of 10,000 runs was groundbreaking in its time. He was the first player in the history of Test cricket to surpass that mark, which added to his reputation as one of the finest opening batsmen of all time. His record was later broken by many, but his achievement was a key milestone in the history of cricket.
Post-Retirement: After retiring from international cricket, Gavaskar went on to become an influential commentator and analyst. His insights into the game and his deep understanding of cricket strategy have made him a revered voice in the cricketing world.
Gavaskar’s contributions to Indian cricket are immense, and his record of 10,000 Test runs remains a symbol of his enduring legacy in the sport.
