The Infamous Innings: When Sunil Gavaskar Consumed 174 Balls in an ODI to Score 36 Runs
Sunil Gavaskar, widely regarded as one of cricket’s greatest ever batsmen, is remembered for his unparalleled technique and immense success in the Test arena. With over 10,000 runs in Test matches, Gavaskar was a master of patience and perseverance. However, one of the most curious incidents of his career came not in the red-ball format for which he was famous, but in a One Day International (ODI) – a format where rapid scoring is key. The particular match, in which Gavaskar consumed an incredible 174 balls to score just 36 runs, has become a topic of both intrigue and criticism over the years.
The match took place on June 7, 1975, at Lord’s Cricket Ground, during the inaugural Cricket World Cup. Back then, the ODI format consisted of 60 overs per side, as opposed to today’s 50 overs. It was a new and evolving format, and players – especially from nations like India – were still adjusting to the idea of limited-overs cricket, which emphasized fast scoring, innovation, and aggressive stroke play.
India was up against England in the opening match of the tournament. England, captained by Mike Denness, batted first and posted a daunting total of 334/4 in their allotted 60 overs. The highlight of England’s innings was a brilliant century from Dennis Amiss, who scored 137 off just 147 balls, anchoring the English side to a strong total. In a time when scores of 200-250 were considered good in ODIs, crossing 300 was an imposing achievement.
India, led by captain Srinivas Venkataraghavan, faced a herculean task. To chase down 335, India needed to bat aggressively from the start, making the most of every over. However, what unfolded in the Indian innings became one of the strangest and most talked-about performances in ODI cricket history.
Sunil Gavaskar opened the innings for India alongside Farokh Engineer. The cricketing world expected Gavaskar, known for his classical style and sound technique, to adjust his game to the new format and give India a chance to chase down the target. However, to the surprise of everyone watching, Gavaskar adopted a remarkably defensive approach, almost as if he were playing a Test match.
As the innings progressed, it became evident that Gavaskar had no intention of accelerating. Ball after ball, he defended and blocked without showing any aggressive intent. Despite wickets falling at the other end, he continued to bat at a snail’s pace. By the time India’s innings ended, Gavaskar had scored just 36 runs off 174 deliveries, with only one boundary to his name. His strike rate was a mere 20.69, which, even by the standards of that era, was shockingly low.
India finished their 60 overs at 132/3, nowhere close to England’s total. Not only did India lose by a massive 202 runs, but they also failed to show any intent to chase the target. The result left fans, teammates, and cricket experts baffled.
Gavaskar’s innings drew widespread criticism, not just from the media but from his own teammates as well. Many questioned his approach and accused him of selfishness. Fans were disappointed, feeling that Gavaskar had not just let the team down, but also the spirit of the newly emerging format of cricket.
The legendary Indian cricketer himself later admitted that it was an innings he regretted. He explained that he was in two minds during the innings, torn between playing aggressively or defensively, which resulted in his indecisive approach. He also cited the quality of England’s bowling attack as a reason for his inability to score freely.
While Gavaskar’s defensive masterclasses were invaluable in Test cricket, his approach in this ODI went completely against the grain of what was required in a limited-overs game. His performance became the subject of intense debate, with some defending his technique and others questioning whether he fully understood the demands of one-day cricket at the time.
While Gavaskar’s innings remains infamous, it’s important to view it in the context of the time. In 1975, ODI cricket was still in its infancy, and players were learning to adapt to the new format. The Indian team, in particular, was far more comfortable with the longer format of the game, and they lacked experience in the aggressive style required for ODIs. Gavaskar’s innings, while undoubtedly out of place, can be seen as a reflection of that learning curve.
It’s also worth noting that the concept of run rates, strike rates, and aggressive power-hitting was still evolving in 1975. Teams didn’t yet have the tools, strategies, or coaching that modern cricketers take for granted. The expectation to hit big and score quickly wasn’t as ingrained as it is today, and players like Gavaskar were products of an era that emphasized technical proficiency over explosive batting.
While this innings remains a low point in Gavaskar’s otherwise illustrious career, it is just a small footnote in a journey that saw him become one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. His performances in Test cricket, particularly against fearsome bowling attacks like the West Indies’ four-pronged pace battery, are still celebrated.
Gavaskar would go on to play several more ODIs for India and adapt his game to the demands of the format, though he was never seen as a natural ODI batsman. His focus remained on Test cricket, where his temperament and technique were best suited. In fact, he retired from ODI cricket with just one century, which came in the 1987 World Cup against New Zealand, where he played a much more aggressive and free-flowing knock.
The innings of 36 off 174 balls is one of the most curious and perplexing moments in cricket history. It serves as a reminder that even the greatest players have their off days or moments of misjudgment. For Gavaskar, it was a rare misstep in an otherwise brilliant career.
Looking back, the innings can be seen as part of the growing pains of limited-overs cricket. It was a time when even the best players were figuring out how to approach a format that demanded a completely different mindset. Today’s cricketers, with their advanced training, coaching, and data analysis, have it much easier in some respects. But in 1975, Gavaskar and others were pioneers trying to chart a new course for the game.
Despite the criticism, Gavaskar’s legacy as one of the all-time greats of cricket remains untarnished. This innings, though infamous, adds a layer of complexity and humanity to the story of a man who achieved extraordinary things in the sport.
