A matter of pride for Indians, Sachin on Sunil Gavaskar’s Bradman award

It is only in the fitness of things that Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar are in awe of each other. Only the other day, Gavaskar told this paper that in his book, Tendulkar would be atop all the cricketers that includes a certain Donald Bradman. And Tendulkar was not far behind in his appreciation of Gavaskar who, this week, will be bestowed with Bradman Hall of Fame honour.

“I’m very happy that he is part of Bradman Hall of Fame. It’s a matter of pride for all the Indians,” Tendulkar told DNA.

Gavaskar left for Sydney on Monday to receive the award, which is being given away by the Bradman Foundation. Gavaskar joins an illustrious list of legends — Norm O’Neill (2006), Neil Harvey & Sam Loxton (2007), Bill Brown & Arthur Morris (2008) and Alan Davidson & Dennis Lillee (2009) — who have won the award. Gavaskar, of course, is the first non-Australian to be honoured with the award.

“It’s an honour. I’ve sought permission for this about six months ago,” Gavaskar told this paper. “I will not be in the commentary team for the second ODI. I will, of course, be back for the Goa match,” he said. Gavaskar gets this honour with former Australia wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist. The two honourees will be attending a gala dinner which will be attended by an elite gathering at the SCG Oval on Wednesday night.

Announcing the award, the Bradman Foundation said: “Gavaskar will be the first international Bradman Honouree. Embodying the Bradman principles of courage, honour, humility, integrity and determination, Gavaskar had a profound impact on cricket in India. He is recognised as the most successful of all opening batsmen and is credited for teaching his teammates and their successors the virtue of unconditional professionalism.”

Added Tendulkar: “He will always be an inspiration for the generations to come.”