Gavaskar’s humorous tales liven up release of ‘Sunny G’ book

By K.R. Nayar
From Mumbai

Sunil Gavaskar is hailed as a legendary cricketer who broke world records repeatedly. However, ask him to speak, and he can make everyone burst into laughter. The skill with which he narrates tales from his life is as brilliant as his straight drive. Speaking at the release of Sunny G, a book presented by Shyam Bhatia along with Debasish Dutta, Gavaskar enthralled a packed CK Nayudu Hall at the Cricket Club of India (CCI), making it a memorable evening yesterday. Bhatia and Dutta created this book as part of Gavaskar’s 50 years in cricket and his 75th birthday celebrations.

Sunil Gavaskar releases  the book Sunny G flanked by Shyam Bhatia (left) and Debasish Dutta 

Gavaskar proved how he can carve out cricket tales from almost anything. He used a remark from Dutta’s speech, where Dutta had remarked that 'Gavaskar needs no introduction'. Through many humorous examples, Gavaskar illustrated that a cricketer who retired nearly 40 years ago does, in fact, need an introduction! 

Shyam Bhatia with Gavaskar at the C.K Nayudu hall decorated with Gavaskar's memorable moments 

When Madhav Mantri and a school principal got stumped

 The first story from Gavaskar’s speech was about how his uncle Madhav Mantri, who had played four Test matches for India, got stumped when he was invited as the chief guest for a school sports day presentation. The principal asked Mantri how he should introduce him. Mantri, knowing that none of the boys may know him, suggested the principal ask the boys who their favorite cricketer was, and hoping they would say Gavaskar, the principal should tell them that the Chief Guest was Gavaskar's uncle. The principal loved the idea. However, when he asked the boys who their favorite cricketer was, all of them replied in unison, "Kapil Dev," leaving both Mantri and the principal stumped! 

Gavaskar autographs his photograph that exemplifies his concentration 

Gavaskar – the man whom Sobers dropped many times

 After the laughter subsided, Gavaskar narrated another incident in which he was shocked by a Master of Ceremonies’ introduction shortly after his debut series. During his debut series against the West Indies in 1971, Gavaskar was dropped twice by Garfield Sobers, which allowed him to score profusely. At a celebration function upon returning, Gavaskar expected the MC to introduce him by praising his form. However, after introducing captain Ajit Wadekar for his successful leadership, vice-captain S. Venkataraghavan for his five-wicket haul, and Dilip Sardesai for scoring over 600 runs, the MC introduced Gavaskar as the man who had been dropped by Sobers "three or four times." Gavaskar had actually piled up 774 runs in eight innings!

Gavaskar's wife Marshneil Gavaskar at the function 

Gavaskar – the batsman who got shoved by John Snow

 Similarly, after India beat England to win the 1971 series, in which Gavaskar also shone with the bat, there was another memorable incident. During a match, England pacer John Snow violently shoved Gavaskar while he was taking a quick single, causing Gavaskar to crawl to the crease. Snow was banned for the next Test for this unsporting act. At a celebration in India, after the MC introduced Wadekar as a clever captain and B. S. Chandrasekhar for his deadly six-wicket spell that won the Oval Test, he introduced Gavaskar as the one who got shoved by John Snow! Incidentally, after G. R. Viswanath married Gavaskar’s sister, Gavaskar was often introduced as Viswanath’s brother-in-law, too.

Shyam Bhatia with Gavaskar's son Rohan Gavaskar 

Is Bhatia’s love for antics behind the book on Gavaskar?

 Even the manner in which Gavaskar described how Bhatia convinced him to agree to a book on his life was hilarious. “Though it was suggested to write a book on me, I kept delaying it by saying we will do it, we will do it. But I was pursued like a bowler with a nagging line and length and eventually got caught behind.”

The hall was decorated with posters depicting milestones from Gavaskar's career 

After mentioning Bhatia’s cricket museum in Dubai, Gavaskar said: “I have seen some historic books and videos in Bhatia’s library. In fact, I saw Richie Benaud bowl for the first time through one of Bhatia’s museum videos. There are caps, shoes, and gloves used by past cricketers. It’s clear that he loves antiques, which is probably why he picked me for this book.” After the laughter died down, Gavaskar quickly added, “Thank you for making me come alive.”

Shyam Bhatia with Gopal Jasapara who visualised the decoration of the hall and made it colourful 

Tales from Bhatia and Dutta

The entire book release was full of interesting tales. Dutta spoke about meeting Gavaskar for the first time as a young boy practicing at the nets. He mentioned  that Gavaskar had even asked him if he needed a pass for the Test match, which Dutta had declined.

Gavaskar with your's sincerely 

Bhatia narrated instances from the 1996 World Cup in Pakistan when Gavaskar joined Bhatia’s friend’s dinner uninvited, stunning the hosts. Similarly, in Jamaica, Gavaskar joined another of Bhatia’s friend’s dinner uninvited, and the hosts, who were doctors, refused to sit in front of him, saying they couldn’t sit in front of a Master!

Sunil Gavaskar autrographs Sunny G for his fans 

Bhatia also praised Gavaskar’s contribution to his museum. “I had received the crest and tie from all Test-playing nations except India, who refused to give me one. But one day, Gavaskar brought his own tie and crest. I made sure to note on the display board that they were given by Gavaskar, while all the others were gifted by cricket boards.”

Shyam Bhatia presents a memento to Gavaskar 

In memory of Lachu Bhatia

Shyam Bhatia mentioned that this book is dedicated to his late brother, Lachu Bhatia, who was also a close friend of Gavaskar. The event was attended by Gavaskar’s wife Marshneil, their son and cricketer-turned-commentator Rohan Gavaskar, and a large turnout from the media. Test stars Dilip Doshi,  Syed Kirmani and Pravin Amre also graced the function.

Shyam Bhatia with his late brother Lachu Bhatia during a World Cup  match

Next book should be not Sunny G, but Funny G

 Shishir Hattangadi, who has played with Gavaskar, performed the role of Master of Ceremonies beautifully without any of the funny errors humorously cited by Gavaskar. Sachin Bajaj, on behalf of CCI, proposed the vote of thanks.

 Gavaskar thanks everyone for turning up in large numbers, and especially to Bhatia for making him 'come alive '

Renowned journalist Khalid Ansari concluded the humorous book release event by suggesting that Gavaskar’s next book should be titled 'Funny G'.