In the rich history of India vs Pakistan Test cricket, few moments are as dramatic and thrilling as the Bangalore Test of 1983. At the center of this forgettable event was none other than India’s legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar, who battled form and time to score a vital century in what turned out to be one of the most surreal Test finishes ever.
Sunil Gavaskar: Fighting Poor Form Before the Test
Sunil Gavaskar’s batting was going through a lean phase in 1983. A poor tour of the West Indies had seen him average a paltry 30 from a total of nine innings. It only got worse during the 1983 Cricket World Cup, in which India won but Gavaskar could contribute only 59 runs at a below-10 average.
But Gavaskar was intent on silencing his critics and getting back to his best. This Pakistan Test at Bangalore’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was his opportunity.
New Helmet, New Mindset: The Hook Shot Returns
Three years ago, while playing for Somerset County, Gavaskar saw Mike Brearley’s fibreglass skullcap and got one made for himself, albeit with an opening for his signature sunhat. Even more significant was that the match saw the return of a shot he had dropped long ago: the hook shot.
In the words of Gavaskar himself in Runs ‘n’ Ruins:
“I wanted to stop jabbing the ball into my face and give it the treatment instead.”
India Collapses, but Recovers Thanks to Binny and Madan Lal
In the rain-hit first Test, Pakistan’s Tahir Naqqash (5-76) rocked India early, reducing them to 85 for 6. While Sunil Gavaskar scored a gritty 42, it was Roger Binny (83*) and Madan Lal (74) who revived the innings and helped India reach 275.
Javed Miandad fell just short of a century with 99, while Wasim Bari (64) assisted Pakistan in building a narrow 13-run lead. Kapil Dev’s five-for left India in the game, but rain had already rendered a result improbable.
Final Day Drama: The Push for Gavaskar’s Hundred
There was a draw on the cards, and India started their second innings right before lunch on the last day. Sunil Gavaskar, who was at 1 at lunch, progressed slowly to 37 by tea time. His half-century was scored in 156 deliveries. But then, when there were 20 overs obligatory to play in the remaining part of the day, the pace altered.
An astrologer had predicted to Gavaskar that he would get his 28th Test century on the last day at Bangalore. Whether in faith or form, he scored from 64 to 84 in four overs, exhibiting exceptional aggression.
“Gavaskar played uninhibitedly. He exercised admirable judgement of the ball and control over his strokes,” wrote The Times of India.
Zaheer Abbas Walks Off – And Controversy Erupts
Despite the law, which categorically laid down that 20 overs had to be bowled within the last hour, Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas took his team off the field after 77 overs, leaving Gavaskar stranded on 84 with partner Anshuman Gaekwad.
The Indian players and umpires remained on the field in a daze. Technically, this might have been a walkover victory for India, according to the game laws. Anxiety mounted in fear of a riot by the crowd, particularly following the commotion on Day 1 when stumps were prematurely called even though there was sunshine.
Eventually, after intervention by the Karnataka State Cricket Association, Pakistan resumed the match, maybe to escape legal or sporting sanctions.
Sunil Gavaskar Scores His Hundred – During Walk-Off
After resumption of play, Gavaskar scored 99 until the last over. Against Mudassar Nazar, he played calmly and guided the ball to the third-man boundary for his century. His 28th tied Don Bradman’s record.
As Gavaskar lifted his bat, Zaheer Abbas led the team off the field once again. The match was drawn, but with an unpleasant taste.
Aftermath: Questioning Sportsmanship
Zaheer attributed everything to a “misunderstanding” of the rules during the post-match ceremony. Indian journalists and fans were not impressed, though.
Khalid Ansari of Sportsweek termed the deed:
“Inexcusable and unsportsmanlike in the extreme.”
Intikhab Alam, the team manager for Pakistan, was also criticized.
Legacy: Sunil Gavaskar Smashes Bradman’s Record
Subsequently, that year, Sunil Gavaskar surpassed Bradman’s record, later going on to achieve 34 Test centuries, a record which lasted more than two decades. At Bangalore, under the circumstances, marked the point of commencement of a resurgent revival.
The 1983 Bangalore Test is still an isolated incident in cricketing annals, which is recalled for Sunil Gavaskar’s steely resolve and the drama of the rules. While Pakistan’s walk-off was universally criticized, it also reflected the angst of Indo-Pak cricket, where even a drawn match can become a legend.
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