‘Sunil Gavaskar was Pakistan’s most valuable wicket’: Javed Miandad, Zaheer Abbas praise ‘original batting don’

Before Sachin Tendulkar became the Little Master, this famous phrase was only associated with legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, who was a walking nightmare for top bowlers in his prime. Legendary Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev revered Gavaskar as a god. Gavaskar’s influence led the Master Blaster Tendulkar to inspire the next generation.

As Gavaskar celebrated his 75th birthday on Wednesday, members of the Pakistan cricket establishment also paid tribute to the ‘original batting don’ of Indian cricket. Pakistan batting icons Javed Miandad, Zaheer Abbas, Mustaq Muhammad, Sadiq Muhammad, Shoaib Muhammad, Mohsin Khan and Iqbal Qasim were among those who wished the former India captain on his birthday.

Also read: Happy Birthday Sunil Gavaskar: 10 times when India’s Little Master didn’t mince words and dared to speak out

“Gavaskar was the original batsman in Indian cricket.”

“Now that you have completed 75 prayers, you will continue to have great innings in your life,” Abbas said. PTI“His insight into the game is invaluable, as is his batting. He was the original batting don of Indian cricket. I learnt a lot just by watching him batting up close,” he said. Zaheer said India was able to produce batting greats like Tendulkar and Virat Kohli because the Asian giants had role models like Gavaskar.

“The most valuable wicket for Pakistan”

Legendary Pakistan cricketer Miandood recalled how Gavaskar inspired his team during the 1992 World Cup. “I remember his words of encouragement for the Pakistan team in the 1992 World Cup. His wickets were most valuable for us whenever we played against each other. His wickets were priceless. I wish him all the best on his birthday,” Miandood said.

“I was hit like a wall.”

Former captain Mustaq asserted that batting legend and late Bishen Singh Bedi was a pillar of Indian cricket in the 70s. Reminiscing, Mohsin spoke about his friendly conversations with Gavaskar. “Whether we were playing in Karachi, Mumbai or Sharjah, when he was batting he was like a wall. He played a major role in the development of Sharjah cricket. I wish him all the best,” he added.