Pakistan legend Javed Miandad urges youngsters to watch Sunil Gavaskar's videos to learn how to tackle the best bowlers.
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India and Pakistan have shared a long history of cricketing rivalry. Legendary cricketers Javed Miandad and Sunil Gavaskar have been a part of it. Their rivalry was playful and even bitter in the 24 yards but off the field they remain well wishers of one another. Miandad, in fact, wants youngsters to turn back the clock and watch the videos of Sunil Gavaskar to learn how to tackle the best bowlers.
Gavaskar was one of the batters in Indian cricket who faced the fast bowlers from the West Indies without a helmet. The list of the fast bowlers during his era included some big names like Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall, Imran Khan, Richard Hadlee, Dennis Lillee among others. It was also noticeable as he could tackle any of these bowlers from across the world without his short height being a barrier.
“It was amazing that given his short height, how well he played all over the world. His consistency and performances are remarkable,” Miandad said in a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board. “Players nowadays can learn so much from watching his videos. See how he coped with the fast bowlers despite his short height. He played in an era where he faced the most fearsome pace bowlers in the West Indies, England, Australia, New Zealand and even against Pakistan and yet he was successful.”
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Miandad who played 124 Tests for Pakistan was the highest run scorer for his side before former captain Younis Khan surpassed his tally. Miandad recalled his camaraderie with Gavaskar and revealed how he used to try and distract him while he was batting. “I enjoyed watching him bat. I remember I used to field close to him and keep chattering away to distract him as his level of concentration and focus was so high,” he said.
“There were times when I managed to disturb his focus and when he got out he always used to leave cursing me and I enjoyed it.” Miandad said India was fortunate to have Gavaskar and his brother in law, Gundappa Vishwanath play in the same era. Vishwanath was another top player but Gavaskar was exceptional.”
