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Sunil Gavaskar: The First Cricketer to Breach the 10,000 Test Run Barrier
A Historic Day in Ahmedabad
On March 7, 1987, the cricketing world stood still. The Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad buzzed with anticipation as Sunil Gavaskar, India’s batting pillar, approached a milestone that no batter had ever reached before — 10,000 Test runs. That crisp morning against Pakistan, the ‘Little Master’ etched his name in cricketing folklore.
Gavaskar’s Moment of Glory
The Push That Made History
Just one run separated Gavaskar from the uncharted territory. With Pakistan’s bowlers circling and the entire crowd holding its breath, the moment finally came — a nudge into the leg side and a quick single. As the scoreboard ticked from 9,999 to 10,000, Sunil Gavaskar momentarily let go of his typically calm demeanor. He raised his bat, sprinting mid-run, allowing himself an uncharacteristic burst of joy.
Cricket writer Sharda Ugra captured it perfectly, describing how Gavaskar, head lowered slightly, celebrated in a manner that resonated with the weight he had carried on his shoulders for 16 years. For Indian cricket, it was not just a number. It was a declaration — that India could produce the best in the world.
India vs Pakistan 1987: A Test Match That Ended in a Draw
While Gavaskar reached his historic milestone, the fourth Test of the 1987 series between India and Pakistan ended in a stalemate. Pakistan, batting first, posted 395 runs, led by Ijaz Faqih’s gritty 105. India replied with 323, buoyed by a solid 109 from Dilip Vengsarkar and a patient 63 from Gavaskar himself, which included the magic moment.
In the second innings, Pakistan avoided risk and finished on 135/2, effectively ensuring that the match ended in a draw. Despite the lack of a result, March 7, 1987 became etched in Indian sporting history for an entirely different reason.
🔗 Read Also: Top Milestones in Indian Cricket History
Gavaskar’s Legacy Beyond Numbers
Sunil Gavaskar finished his career with 10,122 Test runs at an average of 51.12, including 34 centuries in 125 Tests, alongside 3,092 ODI runs. But his greatness extended beyond statistics. Gavaskar represented a new belief — that Indian batters could stand tall against the fiercest bowling attacks in the world.
He wasn’t just technically impeccable; he was mentally unshakeable. At a time when India’s cricketing confidence wavered against stronger sides, Gavaskar stood as a shield, showing that Indian batsmanship could be world-class.
Celebrating a Legend on His Birthday
Today, July 10, as the cricketing world celebrates Sunil Gavaskar’s birthday, it also remembers the giant strides Indian cricket took under his bat. That single run in Ahmedabad wasn’t just a milestone; it was a symbol of possibility.
Gavaskar didn’t just climb a mountain; he built a path for generations to follow. From Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, every Indian great that came after walked on the trail first carved by Gavaskar.
🔗 Learn More: Sunil Gavaskar – ICC Hall of Fame
