: Gavaskar recalls playing through toothache to save Test for India in debut series #IndiaNEWS #Sports,Cricket Mumbai, July 15 (IANS) Indias tour of the West Indies in 1970-71 not only established the

Gavaskar recalls playing through toothache to save Test for India in debut series #IndiaNEWS #Sports ,Cricket
Mumbai, July 15 (IANS) Indias tour of the West Indies in 1970-71 not only established the legend of Sunil Gavaskar but also gave a glimpse of the Little Masters grit and determination as he played through a painful toothache to save a Test match and helped India seal their first series victory against the mighty Caribbean side.
On the occasion of his 73rd birthday recently, Sunil Gavaskar went down memory lane, recalling his battles with the West Indies in the latest episode of CREDs The Long Game Series.
In the series that brings fans closer to the stars, Gavaskar recalled instances like Indias Test series win, his debut Test and the toothache that boosted his aggression against the West Indies.
In the latest episode of The Long Game, Gavaskar opens up on how an ill-fated water jug managed to make his match so much tougher.
On the eve of that last Test match in the West Indies in Port of Spain, after a practice session, I am trying to drink water from my jug, and bits of ice got into the cavity of my tooth and it was so painful! recalled Gavaskar.
But because there was a Test match to be played and we were already 1-0 up, and this became a very crucial Test match, and I wanted to be a part of the Indian team. The manager of the team forbade me from taking any sleeping tablets or any painkillers and anything that is likely to affect your reflexes, make you a little bit sleep(y). (It) is something Im not going to give you. So, which meant I had not even (to) think about the pain.
The Little Master said it was the sense of pride one feels playing for the country that made him endure the excruciating pain and bat India to safety, helping them draw the match and win the series. Gavaskar, just 22 at that time, scored a century in both the innings 127 in the first and a majestic 220 in the second as the Indians thwarted the hosts attempts to win the fifth Test and draw the series.
But thats what happens when youre playing for your country. You tend to forget any externals, any pain, or any other things that could happen to you. Because playing for your country is the ultimate. And that is what kept me going because I realised I was the one in form, and the team needed me. I managed to go on for five days, and when I got out in the second innings, where I got a double hundred thats when the manager immediately sent me to the dentist and he extracted the tooth.
So by the time I actually came back, India was in a very good position. So I was there, to see the match end in a draw, which meant that India with its 1-0 win, went on to win a series against the West Indies for the first time ever. It was a joyful moment for all of us, a very, very proud moment for all of us.

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