Sunil Gavaskar played one of the slowest and most infamous innings in the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket, an performance widely recognized for its extraordinarily slow pace.
The Infamous Innings by Sunil Gavaskar
The innings in question occurred during the inaugural match of the first-ever Cricket World Cup, held on June 7, 1975. Sunil Gavaskar, opening the batting for India, scored 36 runs off an astonishing 174 balls against England. This performance is particularly remembered for its unusually slow pace, especially in a format designed for accelerated scoring.
This iconic, albeit controversial, innings significantly contributed to India's heavy defeat by 202 runs, as they were unable to chase England's formidable total of 334 runs in the allotted 60 overs. Gavaskar's strike rate of just 20.68 stood in stark contrast to the rapidly evolving nature of ODI cricket.
Key Details of the Innings
Below are the key details of Sunil Gavaskar's notable innings:
| Player | Runs | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | Match Date | Opponent | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunil Gavaskar | 36 | 174 | 20.68 | June 7, 1975 | England | Lord's | India lost by 202 runs |
Context and Impact
The 1975 World Cup match between India and England was a watershed moment in ODI cricket. England, batting first, posted a massive 334/4 in their 60 overs, with Dennis Amiss scoring 137. In response, India's chase was characterized by Gavaskar's almost defensive approach, which was highly unsuited for the demands of a limited-overs game.
- A Different Era: While modern ODI cricket emphasizes aggressive batting from the outset, the early days of the format were still experimental. However, even by those standards, Gavaskar's innings was considered exceptionally slow and puzzling.
- Controversy and Legacy: The innings sparked considerable debate and criticism, with many questioning the intent behind such a cautious display when chasing a large total. It remains one of the most discussed and analyzed performances in cricket history, often cited as a prime example of an innings that failed to adapt to the format's requirements.
Gavaskar's innings stands out not just for its statistical slowness (a very low strike rate for a substantial number of balls faced), but also for its significant context in a World Cup opener, making it a truly infamous and memorable event in cricketing lore.
