The title of “The Little Master” in Indian cricket has been bestowed upon two iconic cricketers, both of whom have left an indelible mark on the sport. These players, revered globally, have set world records and defined an era in Indian cricket.
Sunil Gavaskar was the first to be known as “The Little Master,” a nickname tied to his small stature. He made an unforgettable debut in the 1970/71 series against the West Indies, amassing over 700 runs, a feat no other Indian had achieved before. Gavaskar’s 774 runs at an astonishing average of 154.80 still stand as the highest run total by any batsman in their debut series.
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A calypso tribute titled “Gavaskar Calypso,” composed by Trinidadian singer Lord Relator (Willard Harris), was written in his honor.
Sachin Tendulkar, another cricketing legend, also came to be known as “The Little Master” due to his similar stature and extraordinary batting talent. Tendulkar’s immense potential and skill often led to comparisons with Gavaskar early in his career, earning him the same title.
Little Master: Sunil “Sunny” Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar, more commonly referred to as “Sunny,” enjoyed a nearly two-decade-long career as an Indian cricketer and captain (1971-1987). Standing at just 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm), Gavaskar was a giant in the game, becoming the first player in history to cross the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket—a significant benchmark of batting prowess.
Over his career, Gavaskar set numerous records. He was the first cricketer to play 100 consecutive Test matches and the first Indian fielder (outside of wicketkeepers) to take 100 catches in Test cricket. He was also the first Indian opener to carry his bat through an entire innings in a Test match.
A member of India’s victorious 1983 World Cup team, Gavaskar’s contributions to Indian cricket were widely recognized. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009 and, in 2012, was honored with the prestigious C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest accolade the BCCI can bestow on a former player. In recognition of his legacy, the India-Australia Test series is now contested for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Little Master: Sachin “Master Blaster” Tendulkar
Like Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar earned the nickname “Little Master” due to his height—5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)—and his mastery of batting. Tendulkar made his international debut at just 16 years old, playing against Pakistan in 1989. His career, which spanned 24 years, saw him break nearly every batting record in the sport.
Tendulkar remains the highest run-scorer in both Test cricket (15,921 runs) and One Day Internationals (18,426 runs). He is the only player in history to surpass 30,000 runs in international cricket (across all formats) and remains the only cricketer to have played 200 Test matches.
While Gavaskar was part of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning squad, Tendulkar had to wait until 2011 to lift the coveted trophy. Before this, he was the top run-scorer at both the 1996 and 2003 World Cups, earning the Player of the Tournament award in 2003. He finally fulfilled his World Cup dream in 2011, when India won the tournament on his home ground, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
In 2012, Tendulkar further cemented his legendary status by becoming the first player in history to score 100 international centuries, a feat achieved during a Test match against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup.
Final Thoughts
While both Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar are cricket legends in their own right, many argue that the true “Little Master” of India is Sachin Tendulkar.
FAQs
Who was the first player known as the “Little Master” in Indian cricket?
Sunil Gavaskar was the first cricketer to be called the “Little Master” during the 1970s.
Who is the leading run-scorer in Indian and world cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer in international cricket.
How many times has India won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup?
India has won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup twice (in 1983 and 2011).
How many ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cups has India won?
India has won one ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, in 2007, and appeared in three finals.
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