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Icons of India:
The Gentle Giant, G.R.Vishwanath

Icons of India: The Gentle Giant, G.R.Vishwanath
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Ritesh Misra, Mumbai, 11 June 2025

If there is an opinion poll on who are the top Indian cricketers NOT to play a 100 test matches, two names will definitely stand out – Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and Gundappa Ranganath Vishwanath. The latter whom many refer to as GRV or Vishy, is one of the most celebrated legends of Indian cricket.

Let us reminisce his career.

As is common with great players of the 1950s to the 1980s, though having a long career, Vishy did not play many tests. In 14 years, Vishy played just 91 Test matches in which he made a mark as a stylish, wristy, graceful, and elegant batsman. His batting has been described as poetry in motion, and was very aesthetically pleasing. His favourite shot was the square cut, and he also played delicate late cuts, glances, flicks, and pleasing drives. He was excellent against the fast bowlers, and he was terrific against spinners too, since he was gifted with exceptional footwork. His sound technique, balance, composure, and ability to perform when under pressure made him a captain’s delight. Yes, he has been captain as well but for only 2 of his 91 tests. In the other 89, all of his captains are unanimous in saying that he was not only one of the best batsmen in the Indian team, but one of the best batsmen in the world.

Overall Vishy played 91 tests in which he scored 6080 runs at an average of 41.93. He scored 14 hundreds and 35 fifties with a top score of 222. His forte was to do well in challenging conditions when others struggled. For instance, his 97 not out versus West Indies at Madras when India scored 197 is considered a masterclass on a pitch where Andy Roberts ran havoc. It led to an unlikely Indian win, and Wisden rates it the 38th best test innings of all times and the 2nd best test innings where the batsman did not go on to score a hundred (A.W Nourse who scored 83 in 1905 is ahead of Vishy). Vishy scored a brilliant 112 at Port of Spain when India successfully chased 406. Amongst his other memorable knocks are the match winning 124 out of 255 at Madras on a wicked wicket versus West Indies in 1978, and the twin innings of 83 and 79 versus a top Kiwi attack led by Richard Hadlee on a green top at Christchurch in 1976.

Vishy was Test captain for just two tests including the Golden Jubilee Test versus England at Bombay in which he recalled Bob Taylor and that was the turning point for which India lost the match. He says he has no regrets as he wanted to play the game in a fair manner.

He was a giant in 1st class cricket and had almost 18000 runs with 44 hundreds. He was, however, not a successful ODI player and had just 2 fifties in 23 matches with a highest score of 75.

In his personal life, Vishy is married to the sister of Sunil Gavaskar. He has been awarded the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri by the Government of India and the CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award by the BCCI. Gentle, soft spoken and humble, he is one of ourt most loved and respected cricketers of all times.

Vishy Sir, you are a true Icon of India.

Ritesh Misra

Ritesh Misra

Ritesh Misra is from Bhubaneshwar and in his student days has played club cricket for the well known Pragati Sporting cricket club, and inter-college cricket for BJB College. He is an IRS officer currently posted in Mumbai as a Principal Commissioner of Income-tax.

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