Sunil Gavaskar, the great Indian cricketer turned 75 on Wednesday and numerous tributes streamed in from across the border with Pakistani legends labeling him as “the original batting don of Indian cricket.”
Gavaskar, being one of the best batters ever, received birthday wishes from his previous foes including the Pakistani batting greats such as Javed Miandad, Zaheer Abbas, Mushtaq Muhammad, Sadiq Muhammad, Shoaib Muhammed, Mohsin Khan and Iqbal Qasim.
“Now that you have completed 75 pray, you carry on your magnificent innings in life,” said Zaheer Abbas to Parami News.
Zaheer also expressed his joy at seeing Gavaskar still a leading commentator even though he is no longer involved in playing cricket.
“He was the original batting don of Indian cricket. Like his batting, his insight into the game is invaluable. I learnt a lot from just watching him bat up close,” he said.
According to Zaheer all these years Indian has produced batsmen like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar because they had Gavaskar as their role model.
Miandad also argued that Gavaskar was not only an outstanding batsman but also a good man. The two had played many matches against each other on the field.
“I remember in 1992 during World Cup when his words of encouragement for Pakistan team boosted us”.
Miandad said he always admired Gavaskar’s Original style of batting.
“Whenever we played against each other his was the most valuable wicket for us. His was a prized wicket. I wish him all the best on his birthday.”
Mushtaq Muhammad former skipper of Pakistan and leader of renowned 1977 series wherein Test matches saw gargantuan sums scored by Gavaskar told how finding gaps in his batting would be my main aim.
“We all belong to same era and it’s such a pleasure knowing that Gavaskar is celebrating his 75th birthday. Wish him the best,” he said on the phone.
“Gavaskar and Bishen Singh Bedi were the backbone of Indian cricket in the 70s,” add Mushtaq.
Shoaib Muhammad, nephew of Hanif Muhammad, the Pakistani little master and close friend with Mushtaq, also wished Gavaskar happy birthday.
Shoaib shared how he father who always believed that Gavaskar was one of the greatest batsmen of his time kept advising him to study his batting style.
“He had a lot of respect and regard for my father which I looked up to in Gavaskar sahab”, he added.
Mohsin Khan remembered how when joking with Pakistani players, they could not believe how focused was this man on the field.
“When he batted whether in Karachi or Mumbai or Sharjah he was like wall. He played a big part in cricket evolving in Sharjah. So wish him best”
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