5 things about Sunil Gavaskar you may not know

Sunil Manohar Gavaskar, a name which has been synonymous with Indian cricket ever since his debut series against the West Indies in 1971. It has been close to half a century since his debut and Indian cricket has produced some great batsman over this period. But even then whenever there is a discussion on the best batsman produced by India, his name figures in the top three if not at the top. Given the fact that he successfully faced the likes of Michael Holding, Weslie Hall, Charlie Griffith, Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thompson among others; without wearing a helmet, it is no wonder that many regard him to be one of the best all time openers in test cricket.

Here, on his 67th birthday, we bring to you five things that you may not know about Sunny (as he is fondly called).

#5 When Vijay Merchant had predicted Gavaskar's success prior to the 1971 Carribean tour

Sunil Gavaskar owned the 1971 tour to the West Indies

It is sometimes rightly said that great people have a knack of spotting talent. Gavaskar who made his entry into test cricket at the age of 21 was one of the youngest in the touring squad to the Carribean islands. However, another great Indian Vijay Merchant; had singled out Gavaskar in his advice to the Indian team prior to the series. Merchant had said - "Though he is the youngest player in the team, the senior players would do well to follow his example". And the rest, as they say is history. Gavaskar scored 774 runs in the four tests that he played.