Sunil Gavaskar net worth streams from cricket. He is an Indian cricket commentator and former professional cricket player. Most importantly, he is one of the greatest opening batsmen in the history of cricket.

During his career, he set numerous records, including being the first player to surpass 10,000 Test runs and holding the world record for most Test centuries at the time. 

Sunil Gavaskar net worth 2026

The estimated Sunil Gavaskar net worth is ₹257 crore according to The Financial Express India. His income primarily points to his extensive cricket career including commentating and former playing career.

Cricket career highlights

Sunil Gavaskar emerged as a remarkable talent in school cricket, earning the title of India’s Best Schoolboy Cricketer in 1966. In his final year of secondary education, he compiled remarkable scores of 246*, 222, and 85, and capped his school career with a century against the touring London schoolboys. 

He made his first-class debut in 1966/67. In his first domestic match, he scored 114 against Rajasthan followed by two successive centuries. This performance secured his selection for India’s 1970/71 tour of the West Indies.

His Test debut series in the Caribbean remains one of the most extraordinary in cricket history. After missing the first Test due to injury, he played a decisive role in India’s first-ever Test victory over the West Indies. 

Over the five-match series, he amassed 774 runs at an average of 154.80, the highest aggregate ever by a batsman in a debut series. 

His achievements included four centuries in the series, a century and double century in the same Test, and becoming the first Indian to exceed 700 runs in a series. 

His performances powered India to its first series victory over the West Indies, establishing him as a world-class opener.

Significant achievements

Sunil Gavaskar’s later notable achievements included three consecutive centuries in Australia (1977/78), twin centuries in a Test against Pakistan in 1978/79, and multiple centuries. 

He also became the first Indian to score centuries in both innings of a Test on three occasions and the first to reach 1,000 Test runs in a calendar year. 

As captain in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Sunil Gavaskar led India in 47 Tests, securing nine wins. His leadership tenure featured significant personal milestones, including a double century (205) against the West Indies and a prolific 732-run series as captain in 1978/79. 

During his captaincy, he guided India through transitional phases, during which Kapil Dev emerged as a premier fast bowler.

The early 1980s saw him surpass global benchmarks. In 1983/84, he equaled and then overtook Sir Donald Bradman’s record of 29 Test centuries, eventually finishing with 34 Test hundreds. 

He also became the first batsman in history to cross 8,000 and later 10,000 Test runs, setting a new standard for longevity and consistency in international cricket. 

His unbeaten 236 against the West Indies in 1983/84 was then the highest Test score by an Indian. 

By the end of his career, he had played 125 Tests. In his final years, he continued to produce significant performances, including an unbeaten 166 in Australia (198/86) and a century against Sri Lanka in 1986/87, his 34th and last Test hundred. 

He also held the record for the highest number of test centuries (34) before Sachin Tendulkar broke it in 2005.

Most significantly, he concluded his Test career with 10,122 runs, becoming the first player in history to surpass the 10,000-run milestone. 

He also represented India in the 1987 Cricket World Cup, scoring 300 runs at an average of 50.

Post-retirement

Post-retirement, Sunil Gavaskar transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting and administration. He became a respected cricket commentator and columnist. He delivered the prestigious MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture in 2003. Additionally, he served as Chairman of the ICC cricket committee.

In 2014, he was appointed interim President of the BCCI by the Supreme Court of India to oversee the Indian Premier League. 

Beyond cricket administration, he has authored several books, such as Sunny Days, Idols, and Straight Drive. 

Recognitions

• Padma Bhushan (1980)
• Sheriff of Bombay (1994)
  
• Border–Gavaskar Trophy (instituted in his honour) (1996)
• MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture (Delivered) (2003)
  
• ICC Cricket Hall of Fame inductee (2009)
  
• Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award (2012)
  
• Sunil M. Gavaskar Cricket Field (Inaugurated, Louisville, Kentucky) (2017)

Final thoughts on Sunil Gavaskar net worth 

In summary, Sunil Gavaskar built a career as one of the most formidable fast bowlers of his era. His consistency at the highest level, combined with his contributions as an author, commentator, and administrator, firmly establishes his legacy not only as a master batsman but also as a chronicler and key architect of modern Indian cricket.

Featured image: Sunil Gavaskar on champsindia.org