Ravi Shastri paid the ultimate tribute to his mentor Sunil Gavaskar. He said that the batting maestro in his 5 ft 5 inches frame was true legend as the latter was inducted into the Legends Club that was founded by the late Raj Singh Dungarpur 10 years ago.
Shastri talked about the greatness of Gavaskar as an opening batsman, captain and broadcaster.
One of the opening batsmen who did not flinch against the famous West Indies pace pack in the 1970s and 80s, Gavaskar turned 64 on Wednesday (July 10) and the Legends Club, whose president is Madhav Apte, decided to induct him into the club.
Gavaskar in his acceptance message e-mailed from London, thanked the club and named the people who played a role in his rise to fame.
The much-awaited meeting of the club evoked tremendous response from its members and guests.
Shastri acknowledged Gavaskar’s contribution in shaping his career.
Special evening
“Today is a special evening for a special gentleman. There have been very few who can be said to be living legends and in fact while playing the game.
“Sunny played for more than one-and-a-half decades and as he came along into his second decade he was already a legend and was treated and talked as one.
Something to learn
“I have known him for close to 40 years as player, broadcaster and mentor and there was always something to learn from him in the dressing room and off the field.
“He is still at it as a broadcaster demonstrating terrific discipline and passion for the game.
“It’s taken 10 years for the Legends Club to honour him and he deserves it all,’’ said Shastri.
