Despite retiring nearly four decades ago, Sunil Gavaskar remains a beloved figure in the cricketing world. His remarkable achievements as a batsman and long-standing career as a broadcaster ensure that he continues to captivate fans, even as new cricketing icons emerge.

A recent example of his enduring popularity occurred before the fourth T20I between India and England in Pune. As reported by Mid-Day, police officers stationed near the commentators’ box eagerly approached Gavaskar for a photo. One officer respectfully asked, “Sir, can I take a photo with you?” Gavaskar’s response initially surprised the officer: “No.” However, the legendary cricketer then broke into a smile and playfully added, “You cannot take just one photo. You can take two or three, not just one. What will you do with only one?”

Gavaskar made history as the first cricketer to surpass 10,000 Test runs, amassing 10,122 runs in 125 Tests at an impressive average of 51.22. His career included a then-record 34 centuries and 45 half-centuries. Beyond international cricket, he also dominated the first-class circuit, scoring 25,834 runs in 348 matches, including 81 centuries.

Recently, Gavaskar has been vocal about senior Indian players, such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, returning to the Ranji Trophy after a disappointing 2024/25 Test season. While they did participate in a Ranji match, Gavaskar wasn’t entirely convinced about their commitment.

“Whether they truly wanted to play or did so just to avoid being dropped from BCCI contracts, like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, is something only they know. Their participation led to the exclusion of young Ayush Mhatre, who had been in fine form with multiple centuries and fifties. Hopefully, he made the most of his time with them and learned valuable insights to enhance his batting,” Gavaskar commented.