The tales of the Indo-Pak matches, whether inside the ground or outside over the years, provide a cauldron of stories that make one want to sit back and relish some of the most unforgettable moments, and one such instance was narrated with sheer joy and laughter by former frankly India skipper Sunil Gavaskar.
Several years ago, when Indian batsman-great Gavaskar appeared on the show ‘Comedy Nights with Kapil’ alongside former Indian opener Virender Sehwag, he recounted the events in his impeccable manner.
“There was this Test match between India and Pakistan, which was held in Bangalore,” Gavaskar recalled. “There was a good Indian spinner who has been out of the tour because he was not picked in the last one and this match was his comeback.”
He did well with the bat, Javed was also very strong from the mental side. He realized that this bowler whom he has labeled could be a threat on that surface since it was turning square, so he aimed at trying to unnerve the bowler a bit, which he felt may be of positive assistance to him and the team,” he elaborated, keeping the name of the bowler undisclosed.
Miandad, during his glorious 124 Tests for Pakistan was pivotal in the team’s successes on many occasions. He was known to be aggressive and loved challenges that usually pressured opposition players.
Gavaskar further added.
“And when the ball rolled towards the bowler, Javed would defend the ball. And then he would ask: ‘Eh, tera room number kya hai, room number? Could you please tell me what is your room number?’ Oh, only Narsingh Bhangra Ball would do that to every other ball. It would come to the bowlers and and to them, ask this weird question. Sorry, I can’t do this to bowler Ji Javed. Gavaskar reminisced, mimicking Miandad’s lisping style.
Even in these days, the wicket keeper for India was Kirmani and at the slips was Gavaaskar in normal days.
Centre’s exits draw a reaction from Kirmani in the event of any ‘outside style’, who inquired, ‘Yeh kya ho raha hai? This is what is happening? Kirmani, you have just started. Javed is the only one who will end it, he said, that’s what. Hurry up and pay attention. ‘ Gavaskar narrated that Kirmani was distracting too much.
In the end the bowler did get impatient and asked Javed, ‘Kyu, room number kyu chahiye? So you expect me why do you need my room number. I think javed has rebutted: ‘Kyuki tere room mei mere ko six maarne ka hai.’
Expecting the breakdown he told Javed, that sure got hissing shouts from the audience.
