FACING THE FURY
When the world's fastest bowlers unleashed hell, one little man stood firm.
Against West Indies
Against the most feared pace attack in cricket history, Gavaskar didn't just survive—he thrived.
THE PACE QUARTET
Andy Roberts
The pioneer of the bouncer barrage. Varied pace, deadly accuracy. Roberts made batsmen fear for their lives.
Michael Holding
Silent approach, explosive delivery. The smoothest action in cricket history, the most lethal intent.
Malcolm Marshall
Small in stature like Gavaskar, but a giant with the ball. The most complete fast bowler of his generation.
Joel Garner
6'8" of terror. Bounced from the clouds. Made the ball rear up from a length. Unplayable at times.
WITHOUT MODERN PROTECTION
In the 1970s and early 1980s, helmets were not standard equipment. Gavaskar faced 90mph bouncers aimed at his head with nothing but a cap. The courage required is unimaginable by today's standards.
He was hit. Multiple times. On the body, on the head. But he never backed down. Never showed fear. The hook shot—pulling a bouncer aimed at your skull—was not just a shot, it was a statement: "I will not be intimidated."
"They tried to hurt me. I tried to hurt their figures."
LEGENDARY INNINGS
220 vs West Indies, Port of Spain, 1971
On debut, at 21 years old, facing Roberts and co., Gavaskar made 220. A double century against the world's best. The cricket world had never seen anything like it.
236* vs West Indies, Chennai, 1983
His highest Test score. Against Marshall, Holding, Garner. Not out. A masterclass in concentration, technique, and courage.
147* vs West Indies, Georgetown, 1971
Another century in his debut series. Not out again. The pattern was set: Gavaskar vs West Indies pace = runs, lots of them.