The Mumbai icon, who lived by the virtue of professionalism and discipline, also showed his prowess in the one-day format, although it was not considered his forte.

He was the part of 1983 World Cup winning squad and also shone in the 1987 World Cup match against New Zealand.

Controversies also had their own share in Gavaskar's career.

His first visit to England in 1971 saw him collide with rival fast bowler John Snow on the pitch while taking a run and the Indian opener was sent sprawling as a result.

Four years later he scored an inexplicable 36 not out in 60 overs in the first World Cup, against England, and was reprimanded for it by the Cricket Board following an adverse report by team manager G S Ramchand.

Gavaskar also showed his hot-headed streak when he very nearly made India the first country to forfeit a Test match in 1981, the dubious distinction later attained by arch-rivals Pakistan.

Gavaskar was pelted with fruits at the Eden Gardens in the 1984-85 season's Test series against England and vowed never to play in that hallowed arena for the rest of his career, a promise that he kept till he retired in 1987.

Gavaskar was even booed by his home crowd after being dismissed for four by England's Philip DeFreitas in the 1987 World Cup semi-final at the Wankhede, which was his last appearance in India colours.

Controversies kept chasing Gavaskar even after retirement as he was made to step down as ICC Cricket Committee Chairman because of conflict of interest owing to his newspaper columns.

... contd.