IND vs ENG 2024: Sunil Gavaskar celebrates 37th anniversary of historic Test milestone with cake

March 7th, 1987, will forever stand as a landmark day, as the legendary Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar became the first batter to reach the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket. Facing the mighty Pakistani bowling attack in Ahmedabad, Gavaskar showcased his class, grit, and determination to cement his name in the history of the game.

Born in Mumbai in 1949, Gavaskar made his Test debut at the age of 21 against the West Indies in 1971. His impeccable technique and concentration at the crease quickly marked him as one of India's finest batters. Over the next 16 years, he would go on to establish himself as one of the all-time greats of the sport.

On that fateful day in Ahmedabad, Gavaskar was batting at the crease with 9,942 runs already under his belt. Facing the fiery Pakistani pace attack, he took on the bowlers and completed the remaining fifty-eight runs required to get to the accomplishment.

Also read: Gavaskar, Shastri pour their wishes to Ravichandran Ashwin on reaching milestone

I want to thank the BCCI: Sunil Gavaskar

Thirty-seven years later, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) celebrated this historic milestone in a fitting tribute to the former cricketing legend as Gavaskar was surprised with a cake in the commentary box.

Expressing his gratitude, Gavaskar remarked, "This is terrific, I want to thank the BCCI for remembering this day, this is a memorable day for me getting to the 10,000-mark on the 7th of March, 1987. And also said in the morning that, when I came into the commentary box, our stats guy told me this day also marks when I got my first half-century for India in Test cricket. So terrific to remember this day and facilitate me with this cake it's lovely," he said on a video posted by the BCCI.

Gavaskar's journey to 10,000 Test runs was not merely a personal triumph but also a significant moment in the narrative of Indian cricket. The significance of March 7 transcended Gavaskar's milestone as Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India's modern cricketing stalwarts, marked his 100th Test appearance on the same day. 

"Also on the day when Ravichandran Ashwin plays his 100th Test match, so really it's a special day not just for me or Ashwin but for Indian cricket and I hope we end this Test match with another win, thank you BCCI, thank you all for the support and affection of yours throughout my career," Gavaskar said while extending his congratulations to Ashwin.

Also read: Indian team felicitates Ravichandran Ashwin in Dharamsala, gives guard of honour for 100th Test

Gavaskar finished with 10,122 Test runs (13th highest of all-time) including 34 centuries, a record held for 18 years until Sachin Tendulkar surpassed it with his 35th ton coming against Sri Lanka in 2005.