Sunil Gavaskar reveals how Madhav Mantri inspired him to be a cricketer

Former captain of Indian cricket team as well as one of the finest batsmen of all time Sunil Gavaskar always has a story or two up his sleeves. He is an active commentator these days and can be heard narrating an interesting story from his playing days every now and then.

Recently, he spoke about how the former Indian cricketer Madhav Mantri inspired him to be a cricketer. Just like Mantri who he fondly calls ‘Nana Mama’, he too went on to become an opening batsman for India. He remembered how a few words from his uncle motivated him to take up cricket while talking to the former Chairman of selectors and cricketer Sandeep Patil on his upcoming show ‘Taste Match’.

“During my childhood days, I used to play cricket in my colony and I had an instant knack for batting. Madhav mama inspired me to embark on my journey as a cricketer. I remember an incident where I had asked him to give me one of his team-India caps. He told me that if I wanted to wear one, I would have to earn it. His words resonated deeply and struck a chord with me. In fact, I remember them even today!”, he said.

Narrating another incident, Gavaskar went on to reveal an embarrassing moment of his life where he had to get a haircut by an umpire on the cricket field.

He was later joined by Mohinder Amarnath and he revealed how these two used to be the pranksters in the team. Once they went out with the team for a celebratory dinner in Australia, Gavaskar ordered the most expensive wine on the menu. The restaurant bill took a leap and the then captain of the team Kapil Dev had to ask every cricketer to chip in to contribute to the bill.

Sandeep Patil’s show will be on air from April 8 on Living Foodz and & TV.