There was no question of me missing a Test match: Sunil Gavaskar

It is a loud and clear fact by now that Virat Kohli would be setting his foot for India after the first Test match against India. He would lead India for the first day-night Test that would be played in Adelaide on December 17. After that, he would be back in India to witness the birth of his first baby with his wife Anushka Sharma. In the same light, legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar stated that he didn’t have this luxury in his times in the 1975-76 season.

Gavaskar mentioned through his column that he didn’t even ask BCCI permission to turn home while plying his trade in 19755-76 New Zealand and West Indies tour. He missed the chance to witness the birth of his son Rohan Gavaskar. In light of Kohli’s paternity leave, Gavaskar states that he wasn’t granted even a short trip home during the important event of his life.

I was committed to playing for India: Sunil Gavaskar

“While this is correct, the circumstances of that request were not quite made clear, and so, here is an attempt to put the record straight. Firstly, I did not ask permission to return to be by my wife’s side for the birth. When I left with the Indian team for the (1975-76) twin tour of New Zealand and the West Indies, I was aware that the baby would come while I was away. I was committed to playing for India, and my wife backed me to the hilt,” wrote Gavaskar in his column as published in mid day.

Gavaskar was injured during the third Test against New Zealand and was advised for a few week’s rest. Then the batsman asked manager, legendary Polly Umrigan if he could return to India. He got the break only during his injury, and there was no chance of missing the Test, otherwise.

“The doctors advised a four-week break from the game for recovery. The next Test match was in the West Indies in about three weeks, and since I wasn’t going to be able to play in the interim, I asked our manager, the legendary Polly Umrigar, if I could go back at my own expense for a few days and rejoin the team in the West Indies well ahead of the First Test. So there was no question of me missing a Test match other than for injury. In fact, I played the first Test despite the doctor having advised another week’s rest,” added Gavaskar.