Sunil Gavaskar celebrates 50th anniversary of Test debut, BCCI congratulates 'Little Master' with special memento

Sunil Gavaskar went on to make 125 Tests appearances, in which he amassed 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12. (BCCI/Twitter)

India's cricketing icon Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday completed 50th anniversary of his Test debut. The 'Little Master' made his debut for India against West Indies on this day in 1971. 

Reflecting back on his long-term association with the sport, Gavaskar said that he cannot believe how 50 years went so past and it feels like almost yesterday.

"I can't still believe 50 years have gone past. It almost feels like yesterday. Every school kid's dream is to play for India. That was my dream as well," Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.

"I was given the India cap along with the blazer as well as the sweaters before the start of the tour. I had kept that cap in my kit bag, I was determined not to use it till I actually played for India. To put it on Day 1 was just an amazing, amazing feeling," Gavaskar added.

BCCI celebrated the occassion by presenting the Indian legend with a token of appreciation in the form of a special cap. BCCI secretary Jay Shah presented the cap to Gavaskar, the video of which was shared on BCCI's Twitter handle.  

Celebrating 50 years of Sunil Gavaskar's Test debut 

The cricketing world paid tribute to the legendary former India Captain Mr. Sunil Gavaskar on the occasion of his 50th anniversary of his Test debut for India. @Paytm #INDvENG

Full video  https://t.co/k97YiyvcmR pic.twitter.com/za4Soq0yMh — BCCI (@BCCI) March 6, 2021

Meanwhile, former India cricketers also took to Twitter to extended their heartfelt messages to the batting legend. Here are a few tweets:

A tribute to My Idol!  pic.twitter.com/l6nP89pUQi — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 6, 2021

50 yrs of sunny sir.. Congratulations Sir .. thank you for inspiring generations of cricketers #50yearsofsunnysir pic.twitter.com/PiBqbzX9lA — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 6, 2021

My hero - Our hero. 50 years since Sunny bhai made his debut. The original superstar of Indian cricket. Then, now, forever. Such a luxury to have him so close to the game even now. Stay healthy, happy and evergreen Sunny bhai .. #Legend #Inspiration #Respect pic.twitter.com/3zexjRyw1F — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 6, 2021

During his illustrious career with Indian cricket, which spanned for almost 16 years, Gavaskar went on to tumble and create several records. Regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the traditional format of the game, the Little Master went on to make 125 Tests appearances, in which he amassed 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12. He also had 34 Test centuries and 45 fifties under his name.