What do you think?
Rate this book
Sunny Days : Sunil Gavaskar's Own Story
Sunny Days is the fascinating record of the growth of India's greatest batsman; one whose astonishing feats on the cricket field have had innumerable records rewritten, and yet more difficult targets set.
How did Sunil Manohar Gavaskar begin and what were the early days like? It is not merely out of curiosity that one may ask the question; the knowledge of the shaping up of the process of greatness is essential for a true understanding of the greatness. Before we can ask the Little Master to tell us about the dizzying heights of his career we need to know the beginning. And Sunny Days is all about it.
The baby is switched after birth, luckily restored by an eagle-eyed uncle; he grows up and almost breaks his mother's nose with a mighty hit (a childhood habit persisting in later life); plays good cricket in school and college; graduates inevitably through university and Trophy cricket; is at times booed by the crowd as his uncle happens to be a Selector - in fact all that could happen does happen to make him reach the age of twenty-one, when at Port of Spain Gavaskar bursts upon the cricket scene with his Test debut.
The year is 1971, Gavaskar's year, and sunny days have truly begun for Indian cricket. By the end of the 1975-76 season Gavaskar has played 147 first class matches, amassed 11574 runs and 38 hundreds. He has played in 24 matches in 8 Tests, with 2123 runs and 8 hundreds. Still eight years to go for the great days of the Kotla and the Chidambaram Stadium; but as it is said, in the beginning is the end.
Fluently written, self-effacing modesty imparting a rare grace to the pages, Sunny Days is great to read.
How did Sunil Manohar Gavaskar begin and what were the early days like? It is not merely out of curiosity that one may ask the question; the knowledge of the shaping up of the process of greatness is essential for a true understanding of the greatness. Before we can ask the Little Master to tell us about the dizzying heights of his career we need to know the beginning. And Sunny Days is all about it.
The baby is switched after birth, luckily restored by an eagle-eyed uncle; he grows up and almost breaks his mother's nose with a mighty hit (a childhood habit persisting in later life); plays good cricket in school and college; graduates inevitably through university and Trophy cricket; is at times booed by the crowd as his uncle happens to be a Selector - in fact all that could happen does happen to make him reach the age of twenty-one, when at Port of Spain Gavaskar bursts upon the cricket scene with his Test debut.
The year is 1971, Gavaskar's year, and sunny days have truly begun for Indian cricket. By the end of the 1975-76 season Gavaskar has played 147 first class matches, amassed 11574 runs and 38 hundreds. He has played in 24 matches in 8 Tests, with 2123 runs and 8 hundreds. Still eight years to go for the great days of the Kotla and the Chidambaram Stadium; but as it is said, in the beginning is the end.
Fluently written, self-effacing modesty imparting a rare grace to the pages, Sunny Days is great to read.
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
60 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Sunil Gavaskar
16 books11 followersSunil Manohar "Sunny" Gavaskar is a former cricketer who played during the 1970s and 1980s for Bombay and India. Widely regarded as one of the greatest opening batsmen in cricket history, Gavaskar set world records during his career for the most Test runs and most Test centuries scored by any batsman. He held the record of 34 Test centuries for almost two decades before it was broken by Sachin Tendulkar in December 2005.
Gavaskar was widely admired for his technique against fast bowling, with a particularly high average of 65.45 against the West Indies, who possessed a four-pronged fast bowling attack regarded as the most vicious in Test history.
Gavaskar was widely admired for his technique against fast bowling, with a particularly high average of 65.45 against the West Indies, who possessed a four-pronged fast bowling attack regarded as the most vicious in Test history.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 15, 2017
2.5 Stars, a disppointing read There are many reasons but I think the most imporatant one is that it's not a well-timed autobiography. It was published in 1976, when Gavaskar was in the 6th year of his international career. That's too soon to write an autobiography and probably that was the reason he tried to justify it in his preface but I don't agree with his reasoning. I mean, what are the highlights of Gavaskar's career -
Part of 1983 world cup winning Indian cricket team
Most run in test cricket and first man to score 10,000 test runs
Most test centuries (broke the record of Sir Don's 29 test 100s)
Captained India in most number of test
Equalled the record of Nawab Pataudi for most win as an Indian test captain
Though all his individual records were broken later but they are the ones who defines Gavaskar's career. Unfortunatley they all are not in his biography just because he rushed in to writing it sooner than he ought to. Though the book covers 2 high points (i.e. 774 test runs in his debut series and 400+ chase in 4th innings of a test but they are not enough and it's not like you can release any updated verion. As a result of this what could have been one of the most cherished book in Indian/World cricket is just a normal autobiography now. I think best time to write an autobiography for a sportsperson is probably just after his retirement (like what Sachin did) or maybe late in your career when you feel you have achieved enough and the end is near, a bit like AB (though he can still fulfill his biggest desire of lifting the 1st cricket world cup for SA). Anways after finishing this one I find out that the timing was not the only issue .
Except for first 2 and last 3 chapters the book is more like an extended tour log; and believe me when I say extended. Since Gavaskar played only 6 seasons, at someplaces the practise matches have got the number of pages and importance of a test. Though few anecdotes are worth sharing but inspite of them the book is mostly... well, BORING. The narration is wayward at many places, gavaskar jumped to something that happended much later (such as a match or series result or what happended in the end of any event) and then came back to his previous tale. They were kind of spoilers. Also even though I always appriciate Gavaskar for his frank opinions but the way he complained about the umpiring throughout the book was a bit annoying. Overall a dull book even if you are a big Cricket / Gavaskar Fan.
Part of 1983 world cup winning Indian cricket team
Most run in test cricket and first man to score 10,000 test runs
Most test centuries (broke the record of Sir Don's 29 test 100s)
Captained India in most number of test
Equalled the record of Nawab Pataudi for most win as an Indian test captain
Though all his individual records were broken later but they are the ones who defines Gavaskar's career. Unfortunatley they all are not in his biography just because he rushed in to writing it sooner than he ought to. Though the book covers 2 high points (i.e. 774 test runs in his debut series and 400+ chase in 4th innings of a test but they are not enough and it's not like you can release any updated verion. As a result of this what could have been one of the most cherished book in Indian/World cricket is just a normal autobiography now. I think best time to write an autobiography for a sportsperson is probably just after his retirement (like what Sachin did) or maybe late in your career when you feel you have achieved enough and the end is near, a bit like AB (though he can still fulfill his biggest desire of lifting the 1st cricket world cup for SA). Anways after finishing this one I find out that the timing was not the only issue .
Except for first 2 and last 3 chapters the book is more like an extended tour log; and believe me when I say extended. Since Gavaskar played only 6 seasons, at someplaces the practise matches have got the number of pages and importance of a test. Though few anecdotes are worth sharing but inspite of them the book is mostly... well, BORING. The narration is wayward at many places, gavaskar jumped to something that happended much later (such as a match or series result or what happended in the end of any event) and then came back to his previous tale. They were kind of spoilers. Also even though I always appriciate Gavaskar for his frank opinions but the way he complained about the umpiring throughout the book was a bit annoying. Overall a dull book even if you are a big Cricket / Gavaskar Fan.
January 20, 2013
Again..this was a book that was published in 1977 and Gavaskar was yet to hang his boots. Often noticed that people scripting autobiographies in the midst of their careers put across their thoughts in a rushed manner. Apart from a couple of chapters, the 'Men and Memories' especially, it makes for a dull reading in the middle. But a rich history of Indian cricket nevertheless
June 7, 2019
This book is a must read for every cricket romantic. After reading you’ll certainly feel that — Gavaskar, the author is undoubtedly as exquisite as Gavaskar, the batsman. Sunny days is easily my favourite cricket book.
October 12, 2022
This book is readable
June 15, 2012
Not as candid as Sunny G. of today in newspaper columns and commentary box. But still, presents a lot about solidity & his understanding of the game.
November 28, 2014
pure classic
October 4, 2018
Sunny Days : Sunil Gavaskar's own story- Gavaskar has written about his humble beginning, encouragement towards cricket by his parents and his uncle Madhav Mantri who played test cricket for India as a wicket keeper and batsman. When as a young boy , he desired that an Indian cricket cap be given to him as a gift, he was informed that the Indian Cap has to be earned. Watching cricket as a child and then playing cricket in school, college, university, club, State, Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, with minimum facilities, he developed as a cricketer on his merit. About being selected to play international cricket, he has written about West Indies tour, where the west Indians play to win by hook or crook- umpires favouring the home team and not raising their finger on LBW or caught behind or run out, bowling bouncers to bowlers, proper medical aid not available to players. England tour the time between two matches was short and players could not rest nor practice at the nets before a new match started. In New Zealand and Sri Lanka tour, he has complained about the umpiring aberrations which demoralize the team effort. He has written about Bombay cricket season, Bombay players and the reason why players rise to international level because they learn basics of the game from school level and compete to rise to higher level. He is all in praise of M L Jaisimha, Saliim Durrani, Eknath Solkar, Dilip Sardesai, Ashok Mankad, Dilil Vengsarkar, Padamkar Shivalkar, Vishwanath, Rohan Kanhai, Richard Hutton and others. He has written about being hurt on fingers and other part of body during fielding, batting or practice at nets and how doctors at various places helped him to recover soon. He has written about his marriage to Marshneil , birth of his son and his feeling of homesickness to see his son. It is quite an interesting book for all.
September 20, 2023
Being a great fan of sunil gavaskar and his writtings ( i had previously read runs and ruins), I took up this book to know about an important chapter of indian cricket which is now almost lost below the enigma of 83 world cup win. However, parts of this book has actually made me feel a bit disappointed. It is written like a diary with certain necessary and unnecessary details about some of his innings. Between 1971 to 1976.
The book starts well before the WI tour of 1971 that made gavaskar a batting phenomenon. It documents some of the innner struggles and frustrations before he was called in for national side.
The language in which gavaskar writes is easy and palpable. It is really wonderful to know how the overseas tours in yesteryears used to be like, when there were no live television and recordings of the matches played. The length of the tours in which, the players played more than, 10-12 matches and only way to see an opponent play was to play against them.
In those days, the umpairing was biased, players used to get bruised on and off the field without protective gears and proper rest which is unbelievable in comparison to today's standard.
This book is only perhaps for those cricket fanatics who keeps on turning pages just to live through those years of indian cricket which was at par with world class teams. Another fascinating fact of this book is that, it gives rare glimpses of the camaraderie of players of different nations, the beginning of future greats like viv richards, imran khan, greg chappel, andy roberts, dennis lillie and richard hadley.
It fails to live up to its promise and doesnt become a must read sports autobiography, however it entertains, enthralls and engages its readers in parts at large.
The book starts well before the WI tour of 1971 that made gavaskar a batting phenomenon. It documents some of the innner struggles and frustrations before he was called in for national side.
The language in which gavaskar writes is easy and palpable. It is really wonderful to know how the overseas tours in yesteryears used to be like, when there were no live television and recordings of the matches played. The length of the tours in which, the players played more than, 10-12 matches and only way to see an opponent play was to play against them.
In those days, the umpairing was biased, players used to get bruised on and off the field without protective gears and proper rest which is unbelievable in comparison to today's standard.
This book is only perhaps for those cricket fanatics who keeps on turning pages just to live through those years of indian cricket which was at par with world class teams. Another fascinating fact of this book is that, it gives rare glimpses of the camaraderie of players of different nations, the beginning of future greats like viv richards, imran khan, greg chappel, andy roberts, dennis lillie and richard hadley.
It fails to live up to its promise and doesnt become a must read sports autobiography, however it entertains, enthralls and engages its readers in parts at large.
December 18, 2019
As a cricket aficionado since the 90s, I was particularly not interested in the history of Indian cricket in the early years. Hence, I had delayed picking up this book for quite some time.
The book gives a very good account of Sunil Gavaskar's early years in international cricket, upto 1976-77, approximately 24-25 tests that he played till then. Sunil narrates his experiences in a chronological order, match by match, series by series. I loved the emphasis he gave to the First class matches that he played - both for Bombay (in the Ranji ,Irani and Duleep Trophy) but also the practice matches India used to play abroad before the tests.
I am amazed to see the amount of first class matches teams back then got to play, helping them acclimatize to the away conditions. At the same time, I felt reading the book, that the Indian team in the 70s was a pretty good team , which competed well abroad - winning in Wi and Eng (1-0) in '71, and also drawing 1-1 vs NZ (76). They narrowly lost the 76 series 1-2 to Wi, and were outplayed 0-3 v Eng in 74. That is a reasonably good overseas record. Hence, credit goes to Wadekar for building the belief that we could win abroad...much before Dada came around.
On Gavaskar, some good accounts on the 36* infamous innings, and his Trinidad successes , not to forget the numerous instances he has mentioned of being given out by the umpire.
This is one of the better cricket books I've read. It helped going back to Cricinfo and recheck the series scores at the end of each chapter.
The book gives a very good account of Sunil Gavaskar's early years in international cricket, upto 1976-77, approximately 24-25 tests that he played till then. Sunil narrates his experiences in a chronological order, match by match, series by series. I loved the emphasis he gave to the First class matches that he played - both for Bombay (in the Ranji ,Irani and Duleep Trophy) but also the practice matches India used to play abroad before the tests.
I am amazed to see the amount of first class matches teams back then got to play, helping them acclimatize to the away conditions. At the same time, I felt reading the book, that the Indian team in the 70s was a pretty good team , which competed well abroad - winning in Wi and Eng (1-0) in '71, and also drawing 1-1 vs NZ (76). They narrowly lost the 76 series 1-2 to Wi, and were outplayed 0-3 v Eng in 74. That is a reasonably good overseas record. Hence, credit goes to Wadekar for building the belief that we could win abroad...much before Dada came around.
On Gavaskar, some good accounts on the 36* infamous innings, and his Trinidad successes , not to forget the numerous instances he has mentioned of being given out by the umpire.
This is one of the better cricket books I've read. It helped going back to Cricinfo and recheck the series scores at the end of each chapter.
September 24, 2020
I am not a fan of autobiographies. Thankfully this is not one, even though it may feel like that.
One has to know that I read this book long before YouTube was even conceptualized. In those days, the most we got to "see" in an overseas match was an odd poster, or some photograph that will spiral us down the lanes of imagination as to how the crowd and ground must have looked, the jerseys, how the bowler runs up to the crease, and the shot that ensued.
Sunny Gavaskar's book enabled me to add more flesh to my young and unchecked imagination. It told me how Kris S opened, how Azzu batted in the middle, the brilliance of Kapil D. Add to that he is a far better writer than what I got to put up with in Sachin's autobiography, or Dravid's.
This book may now not be as much of a catch, given that you can catch the highlights of the real game now on YouTube and what not, but for us, the 90's kid, this is a fond collection.
One has to know that I read this book long before YouTube was even conceptualized. In those days, the most we got to "see" in an overseas match was an odd poster, or some photograph that will spiral us down the lanes of imagination as to how the crowd and ground must have looked, the jerseys, how the bowler runs up to the crease, and the shot that ensued.
Sunny Gavaskar's book enabled me to add more flesh to my young and unchecked imagination. It told me how Kris S opened, how Azzu batted in the middle, the brilliance of Kapil D. Add to that he is a far better writer than what I got to put up with in Sachin's autobiography, or Dravid's.
This book may now not be as much of a catch, given that you can catch the highlights of the real game now on YouTube and what not, but for us, the 90's kid, this is a fond collection.
December 23, 2020
The first few chapters were informative and entertaining but soon quickly the book transforms into an extended tour log. Gavaskar goes on for pages amd pages about a single match and sometimes it was hard to keep interest. Also the book only overs the first 5 years of his career, until 1976.
The explanation for the infamous innings in 1975 WC is also not satisfactory at all. It feels like Gavaskar really rushed into writing this, as the book does not cover the highs of his career like the 1983 World Cup win or the 1985 B&H World Championship. Nor does it include Sunny G crossing 10,000 runs and breaking Bradman's record of 29 test centuries.
An autobiography that should've been a must-read but in the end is not upto the mark in comparison with other cricket autobiographies and ends up being only an okayish read.
The explanation for the infamous innings in 1975 WC is also not satisfactory at all. It feels like Gavaskar really rushed into writing this, as the book does not cover the highs of his career like the 1983 World Cup win or the 1985 B&H World Championship. Nor does it include Sunny G crossing 10,000 runs and breaking Bradman's record of 29 test centuries.
An autobiography that should've been a must-read but in the end is not upto the mark in comparison with other cricket autobiographies and ends up being only an okayish read.
August 12, 2025
What a stunning and yet humble autobiography. Sunny's autobiography not only effectively captivates the beauty of his long and illustrious career, but the humble beginnings as well of many cricketers back in his days, as well as the careers and stories of many others such Engineer, Pataudi, etc.
Sunny also wrote about the tight rope that all Indian cricketers have to walk on, below them a void of ejection from a career.
Overall, in the context of a sports book or an autobiography, with just the right amount of knowledge, humour and much more, it would certainly make your day!
From,
Mr. Beatles.
13 YO
NCR
Ind.
Sunny also wrote about the tight rope that all Indian cricketers have to walk on, below them a void of ejection from a career.
Overall, in the context of a sports book or an autobiography, with just the right amount of knowledge, humour and much more, it would certainly make your day!
From,
Mr. Beatles.
13 YO
NCR
Ind.
March 14, 2023
Other average/negative reviews are spot on - this book was written way too early in Gavaskar's career and hence suffers from both timing as well as the lack of maturity that later experiences brought. Besides this, the book just rambles on about each of his innings in league, 1st class, and test cricket about who got whom out in what way, what kind of shots which batsman played, who scored how much, etc. Banal details, too much of it.
A life and career that deserves a much better account; searching for one.
A life and career that deserves a much better account; searching for one.
May 1, 2018
Well written auto-biography. Though I expected bit more of his years but it ended in mid-way. The book takes the reader to visualize the cricket greats such as Gary Sobers, Richards, Clive Lloyd, Holder and some of the Indian greats - Eknath Solkar, Dileep Sardesai, Vengsarkar. Sunny also narrates some of the least known incidents of those years. Its a must read for a cricket fan.
December 13, 2023
Really good book about times when cricket was mainly test cricket and every single game and innings was taken seriously, analysed, talked about and remembered. Also the times were such that the city of Mumbai had complete dominance over Indian cricket. Was surprised to know that at one time 8 out of 11 members of the Indian cricket team were from the city.
November 5, 2017
Insightful
Important for every die hard fan of Indian cricket to learn how cricket was played back then and hence how it's so much important to appreciate the efforts of the cricketers of yesteryears.
Important for every die hard fan of Indian cricket to learn how cricket was played back then and hence how it's so much important to appreciate the efforts of the cricketers of yesteryears.
May 20, 2021
Lens to cricketing era of 70s
Was on my to read list for long. Glad to finally lay my hands on the book. Excellent lens to by gone era of cricket. Gavaskar undoubtedly an excellent observer of the game & equally good communicator. Certainly worth a read.
Was on my to read list for long. Glad to finally lay my hands on the book. Excellent lens to by gone era of cricket. Gavaskar undoubtedly an excellent observer of the game & equally good communicator. Certainly worth a read.
June 19, 2017
I got a chance to read your book when i was in eleventh. I liked your chapter I passed the Delhi test. How fearless you were facing those fast bowlers was something make us proud in these days also.
October 6, 2017
My first cricket book ever. If only for the nostalgia, its a favourite.
October 22, 2018
This is a wonderful book for every cricket fan to read. It represents those days when Cricket was on the verge of getting popular in India and the sub continent. It was interesting to read how India won the first test match and the series against west indies in West Indies and first series win of India in England. Those were the memorable days for Indian team as the entire squad had began winning in the foreign tours. Gavaskar is real cricketer who had guts, stamina and right approach with positive attitude and determination to succeed in his career.
August 28, 2020
Read it as a child... Gavaskar uses the pen as smoothly as his bat!
November 17, 2020
The book talks about a lot of players of his era and it gets tad bit difficult to follow at times !
June 10, 2025
Just like his commentary. Too much data. Not much insight
June 7, 2022
Yet another era. Yet another cricketing legend. And, India's first little master.
Pretty much sums up the build up to my review of Sunil Gavaskar's autobiography titled Sunny Days: Sunil Gavaskar's Own Story. Gavaskar's Sunny Days is fun-filled and provides deep insight into India's champion batsman's cricketing achievements and the professional setbacks suffered by him during the first half of decade of 1970-1980. As the title of the narrative suggests, the reading experience leave the readers in the light of humour, giving a sunny and witty account of India's first little master's batting prowess. The autobiography never failed to catch my attention and amaze me with its sheer excellence in elucidation of Gavaskar's first international tour - the story of the most phenomenal debut by Indian cricketer on West Indian soil, till date. And, more for its description of Gavaskar's days as a budding cricket prodigy; quite a revelation! With a revelation of only one of its kind, Mr. Gavaskar unleashes the secret that influenced the naming of his son. The snippet along with brief mention of his nuptials are the only personal events that Gavaskar throws light on in his autobiography. A professional way of keeping matters tight off the field indeed. As much the book is about Sunil 'Sunny' Gavaskar, it also is about the teammates with whom he shared delightful bond and enjoyed friendly vibes. For book enthusiasts who also are humour lovers Sunny Days has written space dedicated to pranks and banters between Indian cricketers while on long, taxing cricket tours.
Reading the description of matches especially the ones played against England, Australia and the West Indies is an enthralling experience for it makes known to cricket fans a few factual and trivia facts of which they would not have gotten to know otherwise. The autobiography makes for an engrossing read and in my view, the chapters which top the chart for brilliance are the ones elaborating the little master's Caribbean Odyssey. Gavaskar's Caribbean Odyssey is special and truly a great achievement solely taking into consideration the calibre of West Indian fast bowlers of those times besides fast pitches at Barbados and Jamaica. The cricket tales of Gavaskar's life at the batting crease in first class and tour matches are also penned remarkably by him. Another standout feature of Gavaskar's personality is his straightforward mindset of calling a spade a spade and surprisingly he never has in his career received the axe for the same trait of his. He is the champion batsman who let his bat to do the talking when circumstances demanded that he be axed or sacked. Such is the impact Gavaskar's batting has had on his contemporaries and the next generation of champion batsmen. However, having said this the readers do end up making a fascinating discovery of how a duck on debut in domestic cricket can trigger and inspire excellence in a player's performance at international level. The gist on Sri Lanka's claim for Test status and matches played against the islanders is hilarious.
Further, the simplicity of persona named Sunil Manohar Gavaskar is captured beautifully in the three concluding chapters of Sunny Days. The author's biography of himself is inclined towards highlighting success more than failures, pride more than false ego, happiness more than a dreaded feeling like that of prospects of having to face West Indian fast bowling quartet of 1970s and 1980s in their own backyard, valour against medocrity, character against characters, and many more battles of the same kind.
Also, Gavaskar has not refrained from opining boldly on umpiring decisions of the times and the act sticks as a testimony to his character. All this, midway through his cricket career when he was a regular member of Indian cricket team. The author's tryst with limited overs cricket, the tale of the slowest Test innings in a One Day World Cup match, and India's antics in the first-ever limited overs Cricket World Cup played in 1975 hogs fair share of limelight with words decorated and masked by controversy. The added bonus to the reading experience is a photo galleria used for illustrations in the compilation.
Conclusively, Sunny Days can make your day, before the nightfall! In other words, Sunny Days can be read in a day's time without readers having to extend their reading venture into the night. Cricket lovers are likely to feel the heat of Sunny Days even if read in winter or during monsoon. Such is the hotness quotient of the narrative. Sunil Gavaskar's Sunny Days: Sunil Gavaskar's Own Story scores a boundary with an exquisite straight drive leaving no void in my point repository. A 4 on 5 it is for little master's convincing cricketing tale. A must read for bibliophiles who are cricket enthusiasts. Enjoy reading and have fun. Cheers!
'Sunny Days is about consistency, persistence, perseverance, and preservation of batting form for a rainy day.'
Pretty much sums up the build up to my review of Sunil Gavaskar's autobiography titled Sunny Days: Sunil Gavaskar's Own Story. Gavaskar's Sunny Days is fun-filled and provides deep insight into India's champion batsman's cricketing achievements and the professional setbacks suffered by him during the first half of decade of 1970-1980. As the title of the narrative suggests, the reading experience leave the readers in the light of humour, giving a sunny and witty account of India's first little master's batting prowess. The autobiography never failed to catch my attention and amaze me with its sheer excellence in elucidation of Gavaskar's first international tour - the story of the most phenomenal debut by Indian cricketer on West Indian soil, till date. And, more for its description of Gavaskar's days as a budding cricket prodigy; quite a revelation! With a revelation of only one of its kind, Mr. Gavaskar unleashes the secret that influenced the naming of his son. The snippet along with brief mention of his nuptials are the only personal events that Gavaskar throws light on in his autobiography. A professional way of keeping matters tight off the field indeed. As much the book is about Sunil 'Sunny' Gavaskar, it also is about the teammates with whom he shared delightful bond and enjoyed friendly vibes. For book enthusiasts who also are humour lovers Sunny Days has written space dedicated to pranks and banters between Indian cricketers while on long, taxing cricket tours.
Reading the description of matches especially the ones played against England, Australia and the West Indies is an enthralling experience for it makes known to cricket fans a few factual and trivia facts of which they would not have gotten to know otherwise. The autobiography makes for an engrossing read and in my view, the chapters which top the chart for brilliance are the ones elaborating the little master's Caribbean Odyssey. Gavaskar's Caribbean Odyssey is special and truly a great achievement solely taking into consideration the calibre of West Indian fast bowlers of those times besides fast pitches at Barbados and Jamaica. The cricket tales of Gavaskar's life at the batting crease in first class and tour matches are also penned remarkably by him. Another standout feature of Gavaskar's personality is his straightforward mindset of calling a spade a spade and surprisingly he never has in his career received the axe for the same trait of his. He is the champion batsman who let his bat to do the talking when circumstances demanded that he be axed or sacked. Such is the impact Gavaskar's batting has had on his contemporaries and the next generation of champion batsmen. However, having said this the readers do end up making a fascinating discovery of how a duck on debut in domestic cricket can trigger and inspire excellence in a player's performance at international level. The gist on Sri Lanka's claim for Test status and matches played against the islanders is hilarious.
Further, the simplicity of persona named Sunil Manohar Gavaskar is captured beautifully in the three concluding chapters of Sunny Days. The author's biography of himself is inclined towards highlighting success more than failures, pride more than false ego, happiness more than a dreaded feeling like that of prospects of having to face West Indian fast bowling quartet of 1970s and 1980s in their own backyard, valour against medocrity, character against characters, and many more battles of the same kind.
Also, Gavaskar has not refrained from opining boldly on umpiring decisions of the times and the act sticks as a testimony to his character. All this, midway through his cricket career when he was a regular member of Indian cricket team. The author's tryst with limited overs cricket, the tale of the slowest Test innings in a One Day World Cup match, and India's antics in the first-ever limited overs Cricket World Cup played in 1975 hogs fair share of limelight with words decorated and masked by controversy. The added bonus to the reading experience is a photo galleria used for illustrations in the compilation.
Conclusively, Sunny Days can make your day, before the nightfall! In other words, Sunny Days can be read in a day's time without readers having to extend their reading venture into the night. Cricket lovers are likely to feel the heat of Sunny Days even if read in winter or during monsoon. Such is the hotness quotient of the narrative. Sunil Gavaskar's Sunny Days: Sunil Gavaskar's Own Story scores a boundary with an exquisite straight drive leaving no void in my point repository. A 4 on 5 it is for little master's convincing cricketing tale. A must read for bibliophiles who are cricket enthusiasts. Enjoy reading and have fun. Cheers!
'Sunny Days is about consistency, persistence, perseverance, and preservation of batting form for a rainy day.'
July 5, 2025
To read Sunny Days in 1996 was to step into a sepia-tinted time capsule, where cricketers wore whites with pride and grit was stitched into every run scored. I was a Tendulkar kid—schooled on straight drives and stadium roars—but my father? He was Gavaskar’s disciple, his eyes misting over every time he spoke of Port of Spain or The Oval ’79.
So he handed me this book—his scripture—and said, “Read this. Then we’ll talk cricket.” I did. And somewhere between those pages, I found more than just runs and wickets. I found a boy born with a missing nose (literally), a Bombay lad with unshakeable focus, who stared down fearsome West Indian quicks like Holding and Roberts with nothing but a sunhat, a resolve of steel, and the straightest bat in the business.
Gavaskar’s prose is modest, lucid, and self-effacing—like the man himself. He writes of schoolboy matches, dressing-room anecdotes, and the early tensions of Indian cricket with disarming charm. It’s a chronicle of courage, of discipline without drama, and above all, of love—for the game, for the team, for a cricketing nation just learning to dream.
Reading it didn’t convert me from Tendulkar. But it made me understand my father better. And in a way, that’s what all great autobiographies do—they don’t just tell stories; they build bridges across generations.
So he handed me this book—his scripture—and said, “Read this. Then we’ll talk cricket.” I did. And somewhere between those pages, I found more than just runs and wickets. I found a boy born with a missing nose (literally), a Bombay lad with unshakeable focus, who stared down fearsome West Indian quicks like Holding and Roberts with nothing but a sunhat, a resolve of steel, and the straightest bat in the business.
Gavaskar’s prose is modest, lucid, and self-effacing—like the man himself. He writes of schoolboy matches, dressing-room anecdotes, and the early tensions of Indian cricket with disarming charm. It’s a chronicle of courage, of discipline without drama, and above all, of love—for the game, for the team, for a cricketing nation just learning to dream.
Reading it didn’t convert me from Tendulkar. But it made me understand my father better. And in a way, that’s what all great autobiographies do—they don’t just tell stories; they build bridges across generations.
January 3, 2013
A fascinating tour through Mr. Gavaskar's childhood & the first steps towards being a legend. Being a cricket fan and born well after his playing days, I was grateful to have a look into his heydays in the 70s. Contains many hilarious anecdotes about other legends, both Indian & others; and a glimpse into how touring was back then. Great stuff!
Currently reading
January 7, 2013Sandeep Anand Dear readers,
Can anyone of the readers of book "Sunny Days", help me?
In this book, there is one picture in which a fan is putting a garland on the great Sunil Gavaskar. That fan is my father and I have been looking for this picture on the net for a long time. Can any one scan that picture for me and send to me? I will be highly obliged. my email id sndpand@gmail.com
Can anyone of the readers of book "Sunny Days", help me?
In this book, there is one picture in which a fan is putting a garland on the great Sunil Gavaskar. That fan is my father and I have been looking for this picture on the net for a long time. Can any one scan that picture for me and send to me? I will be highly obliged. my email id sndpand@gmail.com
September 23, 2013
This is more of Sunil's story up until 1976, his second West Indies tour. So this is not a "full" auto-biography as he scored a lot of runs in the 80s. Morever this book sounded like a running commentary of some of the matches which you can obviously get in cricinfo but may be when this book was written readers did not have access to archives such as cricinfo. Nevertheless a decent read.
July 7, 2012
A book written by the legend of India cricket and was without doubt a must for someone who worshiped cricket like million of other Indians. Completed it in two week straight and that too during school time (must speak volumes for my interest in India cricket legend).
September 2, 2012
A fascinating look in to the life and career beginnings of the one of the greatest test match opening batsman. Told with a stark view towards his own career but with anecdotes sprinkled liberally, this book is a must reader for any cricket lover and for fans of Sunil Gavaskar.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews