Gundappa Vishwanath is rated among the all-time greats of Indian cricket along with Sunil Gavaskar (brother-in-law), Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. He represented India between 1969/70-1982/83. Vishwanath made a sensational start to his Test cricket scoring a century on Debut at Kanpur in 1969 Vs the Aussies led by Bill Lawry. Vishwanath`s strength lay in his elegance and subtle timing. But it was his square cut that impressed everyone. Interestingly, he has never scored a century in any of India`s Test losses. Among his most famous innings was an undefeated 97 against West Indies at Chennai in 1974-75. Many rate it as one of the greatest knock played by an Indian at home. `Vishy` as he was fondly known, always gave his best when the team was up against it. Vishwanath also played a major hand in India`s epic chase of 404 runs at Port of Spain in 1976. Vishwanath notched a century as India created history. This remained a world record until the West Indies broke it recently successfully chasing 418 against the mighty Aussies.
During his little stint as captain in 1979-80, Vishwanath sportsmanship spirit came to the fore. He once recalled a batsman after the umpire had erroneously declared him out. When Vishy decided to call it a day, he ended with a Test average of 41.93. Statistically, his figures aren`t in the league of Gavaskar, Tendulkar or Dravid but his contribution to Indian cricket has been no lees significant.
Short-stature and cockily build, Vishwanath was a treat to watch when in full flow especially against the pace brigade. In 1975-76 against Clive Lloyd`s West Indies, when every other Indian batsman struggled against the likes of Andy Roberts, Vishwanath proved the standout performer. Vishwanath also played a major hand in India`s epic chase of 404 runs at Port of Spain in 1976. He notched a century as India created history. This remained a world record until the West Indies broke it recently successfully chasing 418 against the mighty Aussies. During his little stint as captain in 1979-80, Vishwanath sportsmanship spirit came to the fore. He once recalled a batsman after the umpire had erroneously declared him out. When Vishy decided to call it a day, he ended with a Test average of 41.93. Statistically, his figures are not in the league of Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar or Rahul Dravid but his contribution to Indian cricket has been no lees significant. Vishwanath remains involved with the game officiating as an ICC match referee.
