Dubai: Did you know legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar, as a child, wanted to become a doctor? Though he didn’t become one, he ended up receiving four doctorates for his contribution to the game of cricket.
These are just some of the numerous gems that the original “Little Master” used to entertain a hall packed with some of the leading doctors in the UAE.
Gavaskar was speaking at a chat show organised by the Dubai chapter of All Kerala Medical Graduates (AKMG) Emirates at a city hotel on Sunday evening. K.R. Nayar, Chief Cricket Writer of the Gulf News, hosted the show.
The chat show titled “Master Stroke”, part of their programme “Pursuit 2013-Chase Your Dreams”, saw Gavaskar and Dr V.V. Bashi being presented a lifetime achievement award by Indian Ambassador M.K. Lokesh.
Doctors who have served 25 years or more in UAE, such as Dr Pakkar Koya, Dr Abdul Latif, Dr M.K. Ebrahim and Dr C.I. Joseph were also felicitated along with Nayar, who has been reporting cricket for 27 years.
During the chat show Gavaskar was asked whether cricket was still a gentleman’s game, with reference to the 1980 Golden Jubilee Test between England and India where skipper G.R. Viswanath sportingly recalled Bob Taylor and whether India regretted the decision as they lost the match.
“Vishy has always been known all over the world as a gentleman cricketer and he lived up to his reputation that day by recalling Taylor,” said Gavaskar.
“He checked with me at the slips and wicketkeeper (Syed) Kirmani whether the batsman had nicked the ball and when we both said the ball may have brushed the pad, he went up to the umpire and withdrew the appeal. Full credit to Vishy.
“I don’t think that’s happening in today’s cricket. Today batsmen, though they know they are out, wait for umpires to give the verdict. Bowlers and close-in fielders appeal despite knowing well the batsman is not out,” added Gavaskar.
“The approach now is to win the game at all cost. We did not regret Vishy’s decision though we went on to lose the match because of the partnership at that stage, which tilted the match in England’s favour.”
Gavaskar went on to mimic former Pakistan star Javed Miandad and also revealed how he trained to play fast bowling by asking Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy pacers to bowl at him from 18 yards and training on cement with wet tennis balls.
He also reminded youngsters never to neglect studies.
“I could take major decisions in cricket and in my life because I never neglected studies,” said Gavaskar, who has managed to hold on to his appeal as one of the finest commentators and columnists, even after nearly a quarter century of quitting the game.
