The bond between Indian batting legends Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar is a testament to the enduring power of mutual respect and admiration within the world of cricket. As two of India’s most celebrated cricketing icons, their relationship transcends generations and speaks volumes about the legacy of the sport.
Sunil Gavaskar, a towering figure in Indian cricket, served as Tendulkar’s idol during his formative years. Early in Tendulkar’s career, Gavaskar recognized the young batsman’s exceptional potential. He consistently praised Tendulkar’s batting prowess, discipline, and unwavering work ethic, seeing him as the torchbearer of Indian cricket after his own era.
One of Gavaskar’s most famous pronouncements about Tendulkar became a viral sensation. In a video, he confidently predicted, “I for one know that if at the end of his career, he does not get a minimum of 15,000 runs and 40 Test centuries, I shall personally go and strangle him. 20 years down the road my hands will not have the strength so he might still survive, but I think I will deputize somebody to do that for me. He’s got that much talent.”
Turning towards Tendulkar, who was sitting beside him, Gavaskar added, “Sachin I hope you will not let me down, not let Indian cricket down.” With a smile on his face, Tendulkar responded, “I’ll be trying my best.”
Tendulkar, throughout his career, has consistently expressed his deep admiration for Gavaskar, calling him one of his key inspirations. He acknowledged Gavaskar’s technical brilliance and resilience during his playing days, recognizing his crucial role in shaping Indian cricket.
Their relationship, founded on a shared love for the game and unwavering mutual respect, is a story of mentorship and legacy. Tendulkar viewed Gavaskar as a guiding figure, while Gavaskar took immense pride in Tendulkar’s extraordinary accomplishments. And, as fate would have it, Tendulkar not only surpassed Gavaskar’s record of 34 Test centuries but also went on to amass an astonishing 15921 runs and 51 centuries in 200 Test matches, along with 18426 runs from 463 ODIs, exceeding even Gavaskar’s boldest predictions.
The story of Gavaskar and Tendulkar is a timeless tale of two legends united by their passion for cricket, their commitment to excellence, and their enduring impact on the sport. Their relationship stands as a testament to the power of mentorship, respect, and the enduring legacy of cricket.
