Sachin Tendulkar and others pay tribute to ‘hero’ Sunil Gavaskar on 50th anniversary of batting icon’s Test debut

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar made his Test debut on this day in 1971. Gavaskar, who inspired several generations of cricketers, stamped his authority as a batsman against the mighty West Indies.

On the occasion, Sachin Tendulkar took to social media to pen his thoughts.

He wrote how Gavaskar had taken the cricketing world by storm 50 years ago when he scored 774 runs in his debut series. India went on to win this series followed by another one against England and people of the country were hopeful about cricket. The game escalated from being just another sport and “all of a sudden the sport in India had a new meaning”.

"50 years ago on this day he took the Cricketing World by storm. He scored 774 runs in his debut series and each one of us growing up had a hero to look up to, Tendulkar tweeted.

A tribute to My Idol! 🏏🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/l6nP89pUQi

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 6, 2021

"India won the series in the West Indies and then in England and all of sudden the sport in India had a new meaning. As a young boy, I knew I had someone to look up to and try and be like him. That has never changed. He remains my hero. Wish you a happy 50th in international cricket Gavaskar," added Tendulkar.

India, then led by late Ajit Wadekar won the series in West Indies 1-0 and then also clinched the series in England within a space of few months.

Tendulkar also said that the entire 1971 team made the country proud and showed the light.

"To everyone of the 1971 team a happy 50th Anniversary. You all made us proud and showed us the light," added Tendulkar.

Fifty years of an outstanding journey of Sunny Sir. Thank you for inspiring us & making us all proud of everything you have done for the country & the field of cricket. Wishing you the best always! #50yearsOfSunnysir pic.twitter.com/0MBs6DghsJ

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) March 6, 2021

My hero - Our hero. 50 years since Sunny bhai made his debut. The original superstar of Indian cricket. Then, now, forever. Such a luxury to have him so close to the game even now. Stay healthy, happy and evergreen Sunny bhai .. #Legend #Inspiration #Respect pic.twitter.com/3zexjRyw1F

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 6, 2021

#50YearsOfSunnyG - The first steps of an iconic Test career were taken 50 years ago #OnThisDay.

Mark the anniversary of the Little Master's debut with us on #Byjus #CricketLIVE:

Lunch | Star Sports & Disney+Hotstar VIP#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/onyZpk81Qk

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 6, 2021

Join me in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Shri Sunil Gavaskar Ji's Test debut for 🇮🇳. It is indeed a momentous occasion for all Indians and we are getting to celebrate it at the world's largest cricket facility Narendra Modi Stadium 🏟️ @ICC @BCCI pic.twitter.com/NzolBqvKzI

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) March 6, 2021

50 years since the great Sunil Gavaskar made his test debut and announced himself to the world. My elder brother @bhogle used to keep a scrap book and that is how I got drawn in. Gavaskar soon became a symbol of hope for us. I followed Indian cricket through his performances.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 6, 2021

Celebrating 5️⃣0️⃣ glorious years of the legendary former #TeamIndia Captain Mr. Sunil Gavaskar's Test debut today 🙌🏻 🇮🇳 @GCAMotera @Paytm pic.twitter.com/XVcTJfqypg

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 6, 2021