Former India chief selector Krishnamchari Srikkanth remembers Sunil Gavaskar as a perfectionist as he recalls his partnership with one of the most stylist batsmen to grace cricket.
Recalling his association and legendary partnership with Sunil Gavaskar as one of the most recognised opening pairs in Indian cricket, Srikanth reveals that how he himself and the legend were polls apart. But he has tremendous respect for solid technique Gavaskar, among the most perfect and most accomplished batsmen.
“I made my debut in 81 and in the early 80s, nobody had seen that kind of game. When they saw me, everyone went like who is this batsman, who is playing across the line, hitting over the top and I did not worry about technique. Gavaskar on the other hand was a perfectionist. He had great technique, he used to leave the ball and everything so well. It is often said that opposite poles attract each other. He was the North pole and I was the South pole,” Srikkanth said at the Star Sports 1 Tamil show Cricket Connect.
Cricket Connected – Aatam Thodarattum on Star Sports 1 Tamil this week will see the start of an exciting series – ‘Partnerships’ – that will highlight some of the greatest partnerships, be it in the bowling or batting department. This week’s episode throws light on partnerships among batsmen with one of the most flamboyant openers of all time, Kris Srikkanth along with Sadagoppan Ramesh and guest star Murali Vijay, reminiscing their favourite innings.
Star Sports 1 Tamil resident expert and former India opening batsman, Sadagoppan Ramesh also spoke about various other openers like Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan. He also had a special word for left-hander from Down Under, Mathew Hayden. Speaking about the Aussie, Ramesh said, “Amongst the openers I saw in action, Hayden was someone I really thought was a great player. I always wished I could play the technique he uses.”
Murali Vijay, who made his debut in Sourav Ganguly’s last Test, spoke about how it was important for him to blend into a team with players from different states, languages & backgrounds. Vijay said, “First 10 matches, the feel in the dressing room, that atmosphere, that respect, people should have that comfort feeling in the dressing room– the comfort is very important in the dressing room. I feel that is very important in any level of cricket.”
The trio of Srikkanth, Ramesh & Vijay also expressed their thoughts about other opening batsmen & partnerships from across eras and from different countries. And they bring you this episode with a lot of entertainment in the “Vaara Vaara Aaravaaram” segment where some fun questions are thrown at our experts, who will be seen dishing out some funny answers.
“Cricket Connected – Aatam Thodarattum” episode featuring Srikkanth will be broadcast at 7 pm only on Star Sports 1 Tamil.