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Thursday, Feb 12, 2009
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Viswanath — as graceful as ever

K.C. Vijaya Kumar

— Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VISHY! The legend of Gundappa Viswanath, who turns 60 on Thursday, is as undiminished as it was during his glorious playing career.

Bangalore: In an age of excess and aggro, G.R. Viswanath is a throwback to a gentle world of high aesthetics and warm handshakes in the intense realm of sport.

And true to his under-stated ways, when asked about his impending milestone — it is his 60th birthday on Thursday, Viswanath said: “I have been staying quiet at home as most of my golfer friends are not in town. As for my birthday, we haven’t decided yet. Sunil (Gavaskar) might come and in that case we might go to Puttaparthi.”

The man, diminutive in physical traits but a giant in his batting stature, has donned several hats in a life’s journey that commenced on February 12, 1949. Ask him which was his favourite role and the reply is quick. “Among all the roles I have played — player, selector, administrator, coach — I enjoyed my playing days the most and all other roles were a spin-off from my cricketing days,” said Viswanath.

All-round praise

The words ‘great batsman’ and ‘lovely human being’ echo constantly from his peer group. “He is a gem of a person. People might say that he doesn’t express himself much but within his known circle, he keeps everyone in good spirits with his humour,” Syed Kirmani said.

“He has been one of the most outstanding batsman I have ever seen. It is also significant that in his birthday week, he was named for the C.K. Nayudu award,” added E.A.S. Prasanna.

After 6080 runs in 91 Tests and a first class aggregate of 17970 runs, the Viswanath legend is often pigeonholed onto his unbeaten 97 that quelled Andy Roberts at Madras in the 1975 Test as well as his recalling of England’s Bob Taylor, who was adjudged out, in the Mumbai Test in 1980.

However Viswanath believes that there are many more vignettes from his career. “The knocks — 83 and 79 — at Christchurch in the 1976 tour were critical. The value of those knocks on a seaming damp wicket against quality fast bowling, cannot be under-estimated,” Viswanath said.

Viswanath’s legacy of sound batting lives on and Rahul Dravid is one of his fans. “The key memory about Vishy would be about the time when I kept wickets as an under-15 kid while he was batting in the nets. It was his last first class season and to be so close to someone whom I grew up idolising was a big thrill. There are also other special memories like getting my Ranji Trophy cap from him as well as making my India debut when he was the chairman of selectors,” Dravid said.

Viswanath’s son, Daivik, is an emerging junior cricketer and a modest father, reluctant to reveal his iconic stature, recalled how his 14-year-old son stumbled on it. “Daivik is an off-spinner but I think he will gradually pick up batting. He became aware of my cricketing status while watching cricket on television as there are times when my brother-in-law (Sunil Gavaskar) makes references to me. A few years back his school principal invited me to be the chief guest for a function and then he became even more aware,” Viswanath said with a laugh.

And as for the birthday, Viswanath said: “Oh! it is just a personal landmark. I will be 60 years young!”

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