A fantastic article.Had Vishy played one day cricket he would have shown the world that one need not play in the air to score quickly. He would have cracked fours in the gap anywhere between third man and longoff;fine leg and longon.Sad that he was not given enough chances.And pl don't ever compare players,instead take individual brilliance coupled with team spirit.
Re: vishy
by Basker Mathrubootham on Feb 16, 2009 11:19 PM Permalink
He played in the 1975 and 79 world cup. He scored 75 in the game against West Indies in 1979. Those who saw the 97 not out against Windies in Madras still fondly remember the innings and some even sing songs about it !! I have been fortunate enough to see some of his best innings in the stadium. The innings against Alvin Kallicharran's windies. India won that test in Madras and the 222 against Keith Fletcher's england also in madras. His 114 in Melbourne was a fabulous one. India went on to win the match owing to a wonderful 5/28 by Kapil Dev.
Re: nothing against vishy fans
by Sunil Ponnappa on Feb 18, 2009 06:01 PM Permalink
As far as "God Of Indian Cricket" that title is only with and can be claimed by "KAPIL DEV" alone.The reason is obvious.He bowled,batted and fielded against supreior opposition and came out trumps.So as far as Indian Criket goes there is only One God and that Is KAPIL DEV.No Hard Feelings ! all you Sachin fans Fans !
Re: nothing against vishy fans
by Sunil Ponnappa on Feb 18, 2009 06:01 PM Permalink
As far as "God Of Indian Cricket" that title is only with and can be claimed by "KAPIL DEV" alone.The reason is obvious.He bowled,batted and fielded against supreior opposition and came out trumps.So as far as Indian Criket goes there is only One God and that Is KAPIL DEV.No Hard Feelings ! all you Sachin fans Fans !
Re: nothing against vishy fans
by bambooman on Feb 14, 2009 11:08 PM Permalink
its ok if ur point is that sachin tendulkar is a better batsman. But for that why call vishy an average batsman? why deny the style and craft of vishy? why bring in tendulkar at all?
Re: Re: nothing against vishy fans
by srinivanan krishnan on Feb 15, 2009 12:44 AM Permalink
What I mean is that Sachin Tendulkar cannot be compared with Vishy or Sunil Gavaskar of yesteryears because Tendulkar did not get to face the likes of Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts (who Sunil Gavaskar rated as the toughest bowler he ever faced), Colin Croft and Vanburn Holder besides of course "Dennis the Menace" Lillee, Ian Botham et al. If Tendulkar had faced these bowlers then it is doubtful he would have scored these much of runs.
Re: Re: Re: nothing against vishy fans
by India on Feb 15, 2009 01:23 PM Permalink
Yes, not only that, Vishy, Sunny, Mohinder, Pataudi etal played without a helmet in those days against such LETHAL bowling. Pataudi played with just one eye too.
Re: nothing against vishy fans
by sivasunder munukutla on Feb 16, 2009 08:59 AM Permalink
Passing a comment like the one you have does more harm than good. It is prudent to air your views judiciously when you are not really aware of the totality of the condition then and now. You just cannot begin to compare the two Batsmen. Cricket is not about just slam bang... it transcends beyond into other aspects like sportsmanship, maturity of mind, peer camaraderie, gamesmanship, guiding youngsters - all these factors plus that all important artistic nature of his game as well as being a pillar to Sunny in difficult times were aspects makes Vishy a truly special person. Let us not stoop to comparisions when there is no chance for it. Don't insult Vishy. Instead Salute Him. For you and I are ordinary mortals in cricketing terms.
Vishy along with Sunil and Mohinder faced the best ever West Indian tearaway express fast bowlers without wearing a helmet. Can't imagine todays batsmen doing that.
Gtreat Well compiled and beautifully written peice about one of the most charming cricketers of all time .Thank you very much. Wish GRV good health an long life Swarup
This is one of the best article ever written on the finest cricket player.Thanks to the writer.Also my request is rediff can market the GRV's Cricket CDs if available. I am ready to buy them
Re: Article on Vishy
by anandakumar shiva on Feb 14, 2009 01:55 PM Permalink
please let us know any cd or dvd is avilable about his play i am looking forward to buy & enjoy real cricket
Re: Article on Vishy
by narayanan on Feb 14, 2009 06:22 PM Permalink
You are correct Gopal All you have to do is to watch the CD of either S M Gavaskar or G R Vishwanath you wont require a coach to be a crickter. Do buy one as & when it is available
Vishy was one of the torch bearers of batting in that era. Unassuming and ever graceful, he charmed the entire cricketing arena with his silken cuts and flicks. Am proud to have watched the majestic 97 notout against Roberts and co. in Chennai when wickets were falling like ninepins at the other end. Many of his innings were matchwinning efforts. Our cricket grew up with Vishy ...the little master left an indelible mark in artistic batting.
Vishy was one of the torch bearers of batting in that era. Unassuming and ever graceful, he charmed the entire cricketing arena with his silken cuts and flicks. Am proud to have watched the majestic 97 notout against Roberts and co. in Chennai when wickets were falling like ninepins at the other end. Many of his innings were matchwinning efforts. Our cricket grew up with Vishy ...the little master left an indelible mark in artistic batting.
Re: Wrists made of india rubber
by narayanan on Feb 14, 2009 06:27 PM Permalink
You are correct arunachalam it was a gem of an innings He could have got much more than that 97 but he had to be content in saving wickets & forbid Roberts & company
Humble beginning & on merit he came up & hence unable to lobby like Tendulkar,ganguly etc to stay put till they r kicked out.For that u must be a born gentleman like Vishy...In anycase those days & to some extent today Cricket is still controlled by Mumbai & hence ICL etc
