Gundappa Viswanath happens to be one of the most illustrious Indian batters to have ever played the game. But his contributions are often disregarded. Viswanath might have never won the team a cup or a major series but he was the inspiration for a bunch of champion players. He was a true master of his craft. On pitches where batters found it difficult to read the ball, he has scored 100s. Here is an in-depth look at the unprecedented achievements of this master:
Gundappa Viswanath Early Career:
Gundappa Viswanath started his career under the leadership of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. In his debut game, he scored his first hundred. Gundappa belongs to an elite group of players who have scored a hundred in their first game and also got out on a duck in the same. He is also the one to score a hundred on his domestic and international debut. Viswanath played with many amazing individuals throughout his career. He started with the likes of MAK Pataudi, Farokh Engineer, Ashok Mankad, and Ajit Wadekar, and ended with the likes of Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, and Kapil Dev.
Gundappa Viswanath and His Team:
He effectively captained India in a brief stint from 1979 to 1980. He led the team in two test matches. The team drew one of the games and the other one resulted in a loss. Gundappa was a strict disciplinarian and was diligent while batting. He was also technically very sound.
Vishwanath’s Influence on Indian Cricket:
Vishwanath’s influence can be seen with the kind of people he inspired and played with. Ravi Shastri considers Gundappa Viswanath as his idle. Ravi recalls his first test match as a dream come true for himself. “On pitches where batters couldn’t get a 30, Viswanath has scored 100s!” is how Ravi describes this great individual.
The next person who highly regards him is Sunil Gavaskar. In the historic test match at Antigua, where India chased down 403 to win, Gundappa and Gavaskar both got hundreds. He was the one who inspired an entire generation of players to win the 1983 World Cup.
Over the years after retirement, Gundappa Viswanath also contributed in many ways. He was the chairman of the selection committee, he was also the national team manager, and also worked as a coach at the NCA.
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Read more at the official website of the BCCI.
