India legend Sunil Gavaskar made his Test debut against West Indies exactly 50 years ago on this day. ‘The Little Master’ went on to play for 16 years and is widely seen as one of the greatest batsmen in Test cricket history. The Mumbai batsman went on to represent India in 125 Tests, scoring 10122 runs at an average of 51.12. He has scored 34 Test centuries and 45 fifties. Gavaskar also scored 3092 runs from 108 One-Day Internationals, averaging 35.13.

Gavaskar, who is currently commentating for the India-England series, recalled how it is he felt when he was presented with his India cap and blazer.

“I can’t still believe 50 years have gone past. It almost feels like yesterday. Every school kid’s dream is to play for India. That was my dream as well,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.

“I was given the India cap along with the blazer as well as the sweaters before the start of the tour. I had kept that cap in my kit bag, I was determined not to use it till I actually played for India. To put it on Day 1 was just an amazing, amazing feeling,” Gavaskar added.

Gavaskar’s milestone was also a point of discussion on Twitter, with many former cricketers reaching out to the legend to extend their best wishes.

Absolute privilege to share commentary box with #SunilGavaskar .50 years ago, #SunnyBhai made his Test debut and the best thing about the living legend is that he still wants to learn something new from the game. pic.twitter.com/6Od9xchGxq

— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) March 6, 2021

50 yrs of sunny sir.. Congratulations Sir .. thank you for inspiring generations of cricketers #50yearsofsunnysir pic.twitter.com/PiBqbzX9lA

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 6, 2021

#OnThisDay 50 years ago Sunny G made his Test debut….his cricket journey has inspired and enthralled millions like me. I took up opening the batting because of him….I owe a part of my India Cap to you, paji. Thank You 😊 Keep Shining. Keep smiling. #50yearsOfSunny pic.twitter.com/ckiUlqkf0r

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 6, 2021

50 years since the great Sunil Gavaskar made his test debut and announced himself to the world. My elder brother @bhogle used to keep a scrap book and that is how I got drawn in. Gavaskar soon became a symbol of hope for us. I followed Indian cricket through his performances.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 6, 2021

Gavaskar has continued to serve the game post his retirement in various roles apart from commentating, at one point serving as the chairman of the ICC cricket committee and even the interim BCCI president.