Sunil Gavaskar and Gundappa Viswanath, two towering figures in Indian cricket, share a unique bond that transcends the cricket field. While their names are synonymous with the golden era of Indian batting, many people are unaware that they are also related by marriage—Viswanath is Gavaskar’s brother-in-law. This familial connection has only deepened their relationship, which was already anchored in mutual admiration and respect, both as cricketers and individuals.
Sunil Gavaskar, widely regarded as one of the greatest openers in the history of cricket, was known for his impeccable technique and the ability to dominate some of the world’s most fearsome fast bowlers. He was the first cricketer to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket, and his defensive prowess became a hallmark of his career.
On the other hand, Gundappa Viswanath, or “Vishy” as he is fondly called, was renowned for his elegance and grace at the crease. Unlike Gavaskar’s more methodical approach, Viswanath was known for his artistic strokeplay, playing with a flair that made him one of the most delightful batters to watch. Despite being smaller in stature, his timing and precision made him a giant on the field, often rescuing India in tough situations with his nimble wrist work and adaptability against both pace and spin.
Though their styles of batting were different, both men formed the backbone of India’s batting lineup during the 1970s and early 1980s. Together, they helped lift Indian cricket to new heights, securing famous victories both at home and abroad.
The relationship between Gavaskar and Viswanath became even more personal when Gavaskar married Viswanath’s sister, Marshneill, thus making the two stalwarts brothers-in-law. Yet, their bond goes far beyond family ties. Over the years, they have maintained a deep friendship based on mutual respect for each other’s cricketing abilities, dedication to the game, and shared experiences on the field.
In many interviews and public appearances, both have expressed the warmth of their relationship. Gavaskar has frequently spoken of Viswanath’s humility, describing him as a man of great character and principles. Likewise, Viswanath has often highlighted Gavaskar’s incredible focus and commitment to the sport. Despite their contrasting styles on the pitch, there has always been a deep appreciation between the two.
In a cricket-crazy country like India, the debate over who is the greatest batter of all time is endless. From the early days of Vijay Hazare and Vijay Merchant to the later eras of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, India has produced an extraordinary array of batting talent. Yet, in this sea of greatness, Gavaskar’s opinion stands out. In a remarkable show of humility, he has gone on record to declare that, for him, Viswanath is the greatest Indian batter of all time.
This admission is particularly significant, given that Gavaskar himself is often lauded as one of the best to have ever played the game, not just in India but globally. For a player of Gavaskar’s stature to rank someone else above himself speaks volumes about his regard for Viswanath’s skills and achievements.
While statistical comparisons often favor Gavaskar—he scored more runs, centuries, and had a longer career—Gavaskar’s acknowledgment of Viswanath as the greatest is a testament to the latter’s artistry and his impact on Indian cricket. Viswanath may not have accumulated the same volume of runs, but his ability to play under pressure and his contributions to India’s success in some of the most critical matches earned him a special place in Gavaskar’s heart and in the history of Indian cricket.
Viswanath’s legacy is built not just on the runs he scored but on the timing of those performances. Many of his innings came when India was in dire need of runs, particularly in challenging overseas conditions. Some of his most memorable innings include his 97 not out against the West Indies in 1974-75 at Madras (Chennai) and his 114 against Australia at Melbourne in 1980-81, which helped India to a famous win. Time and again, Viswanath would step up in the most critical moments, providing stability and assurance in the middle order.
Unlike many other great cricketers, Viswanath was never one to chase records or personal milestones. For him, the team always came first. His selflessness on the field and his dignified conduct off it earned him respect not just from his teammates but from opponents and fans alike.
Gavaskar’s admiration for Viswanath is not just based on numbers or individual brilliance, but on a deeper understanding of what Viswanath brought to the team and the spirit in which he played the game. Gavaskar has repeatedly emphasized that Viswanath’s presence in the dressing room and his ability to remain calm under pressure were invaluable assets to the Indian side.
Both men have also been vocal advocates for preserving the spirit of cricket. They believed in playing the game hard but fair, and they set an example for future generations. Their camaraderie, both on and off the field, showed that individual brilliance could coexist with teamwork and mutual respect.
Sunil Gavaskar and Gundappa Viswanath represent an era in Indian cricket defined by grit, elegance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Their close personal relationship only added to the bond they shared on the field, where they supported each other in some of the most memorable moments of Indian cricket history.
Gavaskar’s acknowledgment of Viswanath as the greatest Indian batter of all time may surprise some, given his own legendary status, but it reflects the deep respect and admiration he holds for his brother-in-law. In a country that worships its cricketing heroes, this gesture highlights the humility and integrity that define these two giants of the game. While their records may be etched in history, it is their friendship, mutual respect, and lasting impact on Indian cricket that will be remembered for generations to come.
