Tendulkar the closest thing to batting perfection: Sunil Gavaskar

In the latest episode of India Today’s eInspiration series, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar heaped praises on former India captain Sachin Tendulkar, saying he is the ‘closest thing’ to batting perfection. Gavaskar was speaking to host and cricket historian Boria Majumdar in a virtual interaction.

In the prime of his career, Gavaskar was regarded as the original ‘Little Master’ thanks to his batting brilliance. From playing alongside the batsmen in his era to witnessing the art of modern-day greats, Gavaskar remains one of the finest connoisseurs of the game.

Kapil Dev: The Best

Gavaskar was part of India’s maiden World Cup-winning campaign in 1983 when India beat West Indies at Lord’s. When asked to name his Top 3 players of all time, Sunny G named Kapil Dev as his choice for the No.1 player of all time.

“Kapil Dev – he would be my No.1 because he could win the match with the bat and the ball.” 

Tendulkar = Perfection

Talking about the No.2 spot, Gavaskar said that Tendulkar was unarguably the best batsman in terms of perfection. He added that of all the batsmen he played with and has seen, there hasn’t been a batsman like Tendulkar.

“I’ve seen many, many terrific batsmen but nobody comes close to batting perfection like Sachin  Tendulkar.

“You know the backlift, the head, the balance… everything. The way he would lean forward, the balance when he played off the front foot and back foot. On the offside, on the leg side…”

In 2007, the advent of Twenty20 cricket brought a fresh lease of life to the sport. Commending Tendulkar’s ability to adapt to cricket’s fastest format, Gavaskar said that he played the scoop shot fantastically.

“He had everything. He would be my No.2.” Sunny G said.

However, the Little Master refused to name his No.3 batsman, saying there are plenty of other good batsmen so it will be unfair to name just one.