Who Is Sunil Gavaskar? Age, Biography and Wiki
Sunil Gavaskar, born on July 10, 1949, is a former Indian cricketer and one of the greatest opening batsmen in cricket history. With an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Gavaskar's records and play style have made him a household name in India and around the world. Known for his defensive technique and concentration, he was the first cricketer to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket.
As of 2025, Sunil Gavaskar is 75 years old. His contributions to cricket have extended beyond the pitch as he has also become a respected commentator and analyst in the sports world.
| Occupation | Presidents |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 10, 1949 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Bombay, Bombay Province, India |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | India |
Popularity
Sunil Gavaskar's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Sunil Gavaskar stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm). While specific weight details are often not disclosed, Gavaskar maintained a disciplined fitness regime throughout his cricketing career which contributed to his longevity in the sport. His athletic build reflects the physical demands of a cricketer, though precise measurements have not been publicly shared.
The Pakistan series was followed by a six Test series against the touring West Indies at the height of their powers. The First Test was held in Kanpur and India were crushed by an innings. Gavaskar had his bat knocked out of his hand by a hostile delivery from Malcolm Marshall before being dismissed.
In the Second Test in Delhi, Gavaskar delivered his riposte to Marshall, hooking him for a consecutive four and six to start his innings. Gavaskar, unwilling to be dictated to by the Caribbean pacemen, hooked the short-pitched barrage relentlessly, reaching his half century in 37 balls.
He then went on to score 121, his 29th Test century in 94 balls in his 95th test match, equalling Don Bradman's world record. He also passed 8,000 Test runs in the innings, and was personally honoured by Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India at the ground. The match was drawn.
Gavaskar's 90 in the Third Test at Ahmedabad saw him pass Geoff Boycott's Test world record of 8,114 career runs, but was insufficient to prevent another defeat. During the Fifth Test in the series, India were defeated by an innings at Calcutta to concede a 3–0 series lead.
India had won only one of their 32 most recent Tests and none of their last 28. The crowd singled out Gavaskar, who had made a golden duck and 20. Angry spectators pelted objects onto the playing arena and clashed with police, before stoning the team bus.
In the Sixth Test in Madras, he compiled his 30th Test century in his 99th test match, with an unbeaten 236 which was the highest Test score by an Indian. It was his 30th Test century and third double century against the West Indies, propelling him to overtake Donald Bradman's 29 test centuries record.
He scored a total of 505 runs at an average of 50.50 for the series.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Sunil Gavaskar has been married to his wife, Angela, since 1974. The couple has a son, Rachin, and a daughter, Niharika. They have been a supportive family through Gavaskar's remarkable career, sharing in his successes and challenges. While there are no reports of any relationships beyond his marriage, Gavaskar's dedication to his family has been a cornerstone of his identity.
Born in a Marathi speaking Brahmin family to Meenal (née Mantri) & Manohar Gavaskar, Gavaskar is married to Marshneill Gavaskar (née Mehrotra), daughter of a leather industrialist from Kanpur. Their son, Rohan, born in Kanpur, was also a cricketer who played 11 One Day Internationals for India, but could not cement his spot in the team.
Rohan was given the name "Rohan Jaivishwa" by his father as a tribute to his 3 favourite cricketers—Rohan Kanhai; M. L. Jaisimha; and Rohan's uncle, Gundappa Vishwanath —although his name is usually recorded as Rohan Sunil Gavaskar.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Sunil Gavaskar's estimated net worth stands at around $30 million. His earnings come from various sources, including cricket contracts, endorsements, and his work as a commentator. Gavaskar's stature in the cricketing world has made him a sought-after figure for brands looking to capitalize on his influence and legacy in sports.
Career, Business and Investments
Gavaskar's cricketing career is nothing short of legendary. He made his Test debut in 1971 and became renowned for scoring 34 Test centuries. Post-retirement, he transitioned into commentary and analysis, bringing his insights on the game to a global audience. Beyond cricket, Gavaskar has engaged in various business ventures, including coaching academies and involvement in sports management. His experience and authority in cricket have also led him to invest in health and fitness initiatives, promoting a healthy lifestyle among young athletes.
Gavaskar was restored to the captaincy for the gruelling 1979–80 season, with six Test home series against both Australia and Pakistan. The first two Tests against Australia were high scoring draws where only 45 wickets fell, with India taking a first-innings lead in both after making scores over 400.
India broke through for a 153-run win in the Third Test at Kanpur, where Gavaskar scored 76. He made 115 in the Fourth Test in Delhi, where India were unable to convert a 212-run first innings lead, resulting in a draw.
After another stalemate in the Fifth Test, Gavaskar scored 123 in the Sixth Test, where Australia collapsed by an innings after India posted their fourth first innings in excess of 400 for the series. The series against Pakistan was similarly high scoring, with four draws, three of which did not reach the fourth innings.
India won the Third and Fifth Tests in Bombay and Madras. At Madras, he made 166 in the first innings and was unbeaten on 29 when India brought up the winning runs. Having secured the series 2–0, Gavaskar was removed from the captaincy for the drawn Sixth Test.
This occurred because Gavaskar had refused to tour the West Indies for another series immediately afterwards, asking for a rest. As a result, Gundappa Viswanath was appointed so that he could prepare his leadership skills for the tour. In the end the tour did not go ahead as the West Indian board were not interested in a team without Gavaskar.
The season ended with a one-off Test against England in Bombay, which India lost. In the 13 Tests that season, he made 1027 runs at 51.35 with three centuries and four half-centuries. This ended a 14-month span in which Gavaskar played in 22 Tests and the 1979 Cricket World Cup. In that time, he scored 2301 Test runs including eight centuries.
Social Network
Sunil Gavaskar maintains a robust presence on social media, engaging with fans and sharing insights into cricket and personal endeavors. Although not overly active on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, he frequently updates his Twitter account, where he discusses cricket events and shares his expertise with followers. His involvement in social causes, especially those promoting sports among youth, also echoes through his online presence.
The 1975–76 season saw three and four Test tours of New Zealand and the West Indies, respectively. Gavaskar led India in a Test for the first time in January 1976 against New Zealand during the First Test in Auckland when regular captain Bishen Singh Bedi was suffering from a leg injury.
Standing in despite having scored only 703 runs at 28.12 since his debut series, Gavaskar rewarded the selectors with 116 and 35*. As a result, India secured an eight-wicket victory. He ended the series with 266 runs at 66.33.
On the West Indian leg of the tour, Gavaskar scored consecutive centuries of 156 and 102 in the Second and Third Tests, both in Port of Spain, Trinidad. These were his third and fourth centuries at the grounds. In the Third Test, his 102 helped India post 4/406 to set a world record for the highest winning fourth innings score.
The Indians' mastery of the Caribbean spinners on a turning track reportedly led West Indian captain Clive Lloyd to vow that he would rely on pace alone in future Tests. Gavaskar totalled 390 runs at 55.71 for the series.
Education
Sunil Gavaskar was educated at St. Xavier's College in Mumbai, where he pursued a degree in Commerce. His early education was pivotal in shaping his disciplined mindset and dedication to cricket. He balanced academics with sports, which laid the foundation for his future accomplishments in both fields.
Gavaskar was widely admired for his technique against fast bowling, with a particularly high average of 65.45 against the West Indies, who possessed a four-pronged fast bowling attack, widely regarded as the most vicious in Test history.
However, most of Gavaskar's centuries against West Indies were against the team when their four-pronged attack were not playing together. His captaincy of the Indian team, was considered as one of the first attacking ones, with Indian team winning the 1984 Asia Cup, and the World Championship of Cricket in 1985.
At the same time, there were multiple exchanges of captaincy between Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, with one coming just six months before Kapil led India to victory at the 1983 Cricket World Cup. He is also a former Sheriff of Mumbai.
