Featured BiographyImage source: StarsUnfolded
Quick Info
Date of birth10 July 1949
Age75 Years
BirthplaceBombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India
ProfessionFormer Indian Cricketer
NationalityIndian
Marital statusMarried
SpouseMarshneil Gavaskar
FamilyFather - Manohar Gavaskar; Mother - Meenal Gavaskar; Sisters - Nutan Gavaskar, Kavita Viswanath; Son - Rohan Gavaskar
Net worth$30 million
Sunil Gavaskar Biography
Sunil Manohar Gavaskar is a former Indian cricketer widely regarded as one of the game's great opening batsmen. Renowned for technical excellence and a sto
Early life and backgroundSunil Manohar Gavaskar was born on 10 July 1949 in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India. He grew up in Mumbai, attended St. Xavier’s College and developed into a cricketer who would come to be known by the nicknames Sunny and Little Master. His parents are Manohar and Meenal Gavaskar, and he has two sisters, Nutan Gavaskar and Kavita Viswanath. Gavaskar’s early sporting interests included wrestling and badminton, and he was named India’s best Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year during his school days.
Career
Gavaskar made an immediate impact on international cricket. He debuted in Test cricket on 6 March 1971 against the West Indies at Port of Spain and played his first One-Day International on 13 July 1974 versus England at Leeds. Over a distinguished international career that ended with his final Test on 13 March 1987 against Pakistan in Bangalore and his last ODI on 5 November 1987 versus England in Mumbai, he established numerous records and set new standards for opening batsmen.
His debut tour to the West Indies in 1970/71 stands out as a career turning point: Gavaskar scored 774 runs at an average of 154.80, a tally that remains one of the most remarkable entry statements in Test history. He became the first Test player to surpass 10,000 runs and, before Sachin Tendulkar surpassed him, held the record for the most Test centuries with 34. Gavaskar’s 774 runs as a debutant remain a benchmark, and he is the only player to have opened both the batting and the bowling in the same Test match.
Several unique statistical feats are attached to his name: he twice compiled sequences of four consecutive Test centuries, registered a century in each innings of a Test, and is noted for combinations such as scoring a century and a duck in the same match. He also formed century partnerships with 18 different team-mates, and by taking 100 catches in Test cricket he became the first Indian non-wicketkeeper to reach that fielding milestone. In 1980 he was named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year.
Domestically, Gavaskar represented Mumbai and had a stint with Somerset. As a batsman he was admired for a cool temperament on the field and a favored shot described as the late flick. He enjoyed playing against the West Indies bowling attacks of his era and, as captain, compiled 732 runs in a Test series—one of the highest series tallies by a captain.
Public profile
After retirement, Gavaskar remained a prominent public figure. He authored four books on cricket, including an autobiography titled Sunny Days, and contributed to cricket administration and charitable efforts. He founded the Champ Foundation to support sportspeople in financial need and, in 1994, served as the Sheriff of Mumbai. Gavaskar has also appeared in films and lent his voice to a Marathi song.
His family life has been public: he is married to Marshneil Gavaskar and their son, Rohan Gavaskar, followed him into professional cricket. Gavaskar’s wider interests include reading and music, and he has been known to enjoy watching wrestling. He is recognized for his mimicry among teammates and for hobbies such as playing badminton.
Latest updates
Gavaskar has remained involved in cricketing conversations and public events into later years. In January 2025 he expressed disappointment about not being invited to present the Border-Gavaskar Trophy following a series, a matter that prompted a response from Cricket Australia clarifying the pre-match arrangements for presentation depending on which team won the series.
Personal and miscellaneous
Gavaskar is listed at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m) tall, with black eyes and salt-and-pepper hair. He follows Hinduism and is a Cancer by zodiac sign. His reported favorite cricketers include Rohan Kanhai, ML Jaisimha and Gundappa Viswanath, and his favorite actor is Paul Newman.
Career highlights and records
Across his playing years Gavaskar accumulated many firsts and rare accomplishments: the inaugural 10,000-plus Test run milestone, an unmatched debut-series run total, multiple sequences of consecutive centuries, and pioneering fielding figures for an Indian outfielder. He was honored by Wisden and remains the namesake of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a contest that commemorates his contribution to India-Australia cricketing history.
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Recent Work
Expressed displeasure in January 2025 after not being invited to present the Border-Gavaskar Trophy; Cricket Australia issued a clarification about presentation plans.
2025Published four cricket books, including the autobiography Sunny Days, along with Idols, Runs n’ Ruins and One Day Wonders.
Career Highlights
- First Test cricketer to score over 10,000 runs
- Held record for most Test centuries (34) before Sachin Tendulkar
- Scored 774 runs on debut series — a still-celebrated achievement
- Twice scored four consecutive Test centuries
- First Indian non-wicketkeeper to take 100 Test catches
- Named one of Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1980
Net Worth
Figures are editorial estimates based on publicly available reporting and may change as new information emerges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sunil Gavaskar born?
Sunil Gavaskar was born on 10 July 1949.
What is Sunil Gavaskar known for?
Sunil Gavaskar is known for former Indian Cricketer.
What is Sunil Gavaskar’s marital status?
Sunil Gavaskar's marital status is listed as Married.
Who is Sunil Gavaskar married to?
Sunil Gavaskar is publicly listed as married to Marshneil Gavaskar.
What is Sunil Gavaskar’s net worth?
Sunil Gavaskar's net worth is commonly listed as $30 million, based on available public profile information.
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