Cricket’s batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has the Leicester Cricket Ground in England named after him and the “Little Master” feels blessed on the honour.
“Blessed to have a ground in Leicester named after me. This is a recognition not for me but for all those who played with me from tennis ball days to the internationals, my family and last but not the least, my fans and well wishers. Thank you all for being part of this unforgettable journey,” Gavaskar wrote on Instagram.
The former Indian captain was the first international batsman to score 10,000 runs in Tests. For a long time, he held the record for most number of Test centuries (34).
Gavaskar, one of the most fearless batsmen who faced the most terrifying fast bowlers, arguably never seen together at any stretch of cricketing history, mostly played without a helmet. He was also part of the Indian team which won the 1983 World Cup. He captained India to win in 1985 Benson and Hedges Cup.
Gavaskar, who has evolved into a prized commentator on the game after his retirement, has recently suggested the areas where he could help Virat Kohli return to form. Kohli hasn’t scored an international century since 2019.
“If I had about 20 minutes with him, I would be able to tell him the things he might have to do. It might help him, I am not saying it will help him but it could, particularly with regards to that off-stump line,” Gavaskar had told India Today.
“Having been an opening batter, having been troubled by that line, there are certain things that you try and do. If I get 20 minutes with him, I might be able to tell him.
“It goes back to the fact that his first mistake turns out to be his last. Again, just because he is not amongst the runs, there is this anxiety to play at every delivery because that is what batters feel, they have got to score. You look to play at deliveries that you otherwise won’t. But he has gotten out to good deliveries as well on this particular tour (England).”
