Coming in as a teenager who didn’t actually wish to put on a helmet and instantly began smashing mighty West Indian bowlers, that is what Gavaskar did in his debut collection in opposition to Garry Sobers and co.
There are quite a few moments in Indian cricket that no one wants to forget, from winning multiple ICC trophies to the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 centuries. But another moment that no Indian fan wants to forget is former India captain Sunil Gavaskar’s Test debut.
That’s right, a debut still remembered by many, and for good reason. Firstly, it came against the mighty West Indies in 1971, a team that had legends like Garry Sobers, Charlie Davis, and Rohan Kanhai. Yet, Sunil Gavaskar still managed to shine.
Gavaskar was called up for the second Test, which began at the Port of Spain on March 6, after reportedly missing the first game due to a tooth infection. But when he finally got his chance, he capitalised on it brilliantly, scoring twin half-centuries. He smashed 65 in the first innings before contributing a match-winning 67-run knock during the chase. India won the match by seven wickets to take a lead in the five-Test series.
Lord Relator dedicated the song to Little Master
Not many people know that the series went so brilliantly for Sunil Gavaskar that, whichever island the Indian team toured, all West Indies cricket fans appreciated the young Gavaskar. In the five-match Test series, he made 774 runs at a staggering average of 154.80, leaving many in awe. It was Trinidadian singer Lord Relator who wrote a song dedicated to the Little Master, calling him: “It was Gavaskar, the real master, Just like a wall, We couldn’t out Gavaskar at all. Not at all, You know the West Indies couldn’t out Gavaskar at all.”
Apart from Gavaskar, Duleep Sardesai also played a crucial role in India’s historic series win against the West Indies in 1971. Sardesai scored 642 runs and provided invaluable support to the team, just as Gavaskar did.
IND vs WI 1971 Test Series
| Match | Venue | Dates | Result |
| 1st Test | Sabina Park, Kingston | February 18-23, 1971 | Draw |
| 2nd Test | Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain | March 6-10, 1971 | India won by 7 wickets |
| 3rd Test | Bourda, Georgetown | March 19-24, 1971 | Draw |
| 4th Test | Kensington Oval, Bridgetown | April 1-6, 1971 | Draw |
| 5th Test | Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain | April 13-18, 1971 | Draw |
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