Off The Cuff with G.R. Vishwanath
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 25 июл 2024
- #OffTheCuffWithGRVishwanath #RVishwanath
In a conversation with ThePrint's Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium, former Indian cricketing legend G.R. Vishwanath talks about his new autobiography 'Wrist Assured', playing alongside Sunil Gavaskar against top international sides, his experiences with Tiger Pataudi, his favourite shot, Virat Kohli & much more. Watch the full conversation:
Sponsors:
Presented by: IIFL
Powered By: K Raheja
Corporate Partner: AU Bank
In Alliance with: Jindal Steel & Power
In Alliance with: Apollo Hospitals
Airline Partner: SpiceJet
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0:00 On 'Wrist Assured' and his favourite shot
3:47 How wrist play differs from power hitting
6:27 The significance of his unbeaten 97 at Chepauk
11:20 How he played his signature square cut-cum-drive
12:55 The successes and perils of his signature shot
14:20 Breaking Indian test cricket's debutant voodoo
15:48 Memories of Ranji matches and challenging spinners
20:15 Vishwanath's strong forearms and the Pataudi link
23:15 Handling low scores and bouts of poor form
25:36 Modern cricketers' adeptness at the square cut
26:31 On Virat Kohli and Babar Azam
28:42 On all-format players, specialists and the IPL
31:35 No regrets over Bob Taylor recall in Jubilee Test
34:05 Was sledging prevalent during Vishwanath's career?
35:17 Steve Smith's technique and the best square-cutters
36:45 Who was India's greatest-ever batsman?
38:45 Highest and lowest points in Indian batting
40:01 The toughest place to tour as a player in 1970s
40:59 The biggest strength in Indian cricket today
42:00 The impact of playing under captain Tiger Pataudi
44:41 Facing pace vs. facing spin
45:27 How Sunil Gavaskar helped Vishwanath off the field
49:00 The lack of surviving footage of his performances
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Join our channel to get access to perks. Click 'JOIN' or follow the link below:
/ @theprintindia
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connect with ThePrint
» Subscribe to ThePrint: theprint.in/subscribe/
» Subscribe to our RUclips Channel: bit.ly/3nCMpht
» Like us on Facebook: / theprintindia
» Tweet us on Twitter: / theprintindia
» Follow us on Instagram: / theprintindia
» Find us on LinkedIn : / theprint
» Subscribe to ThePrint on Telegram: t.me/ThePrintIndia
» Find us on Spotify: spoti.fi/2NMVlnB
» Find us on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3pEOta8
My childhood hero. He never got the recognition he really deserved. Best player of pace, spin & any other bowling. Modest to the core. GOD BLESS HIM.
Proud of India 🙏👌👍
The greatest cricketer India has ever produced. He was my favorite and he is my favorite even today. Above all, he is a great human being 🙏🙏
Many thanks for this episode sir .....He used to be the king during those period , we loved to watch even ahead of Gavaskar. New generation should know about Vishy the great.....
I had a sore throat screaming during Vishy’s 97 no in Chepauk. I don’t need tube. The innings is etched in my memory 🙏🙏🙏🙏
So glad to see Vishy's interview. One of my childhood cricketing heroes. Unfortunately he played in an era when we didn't have TV. So had to follow his games on radio. Still remember his parting line - "Come September and I will be back". Unfortunately that September never came.
Gundappa Viswanath, a genius and unsung hero. Was the finest of his era. Tragic that he missed out on selection in the historic 1983 World Cup win. He should have been there and deserved his moment of glory. Unfortunately that was not to be. I hope and wish that today’s generation knows about the legend GRV. Thank you Shekar ji for doing this rare interview. Look forward to a similar episode with another forgotten hero, Mohinder Amarnath
I was from Kerala domiciled in Bangalore in the 70's. My schooling was wholly done in Bangalore at the time.At that time G R V was my cricketing hero. My father was a great fan of G R V and Abbas Ali Baig, two players who were wristy wonders. I used to follow every first class game and even Bangalore A Division league game which G R V played. I remember going everytime to the Gymkhana Grounds near Cox Town everytime SBI played. SBI then had a star studded team, G R V, Sudhakara Rao, Syed Kirmani, Roger Binny, V S Vijaykumar, B Raghunath and so on. Once I had seen GRV at close quarters at the little Gymkhana Ground pavillion. Did not get his autograph though. Every time Vishy got out, it was sickening. As G R V has confessed in this interview, he went through umpteen bad patches and most of the time he came out of it, only the 1983 tour to Pakistan proved to be his water loo. Even today when I pick my all time India eleven G R V remains undisturbed at no 4, the rest of the modern greats comes only after that. He was an unparalleled presence of authoritative, wristy batting in the 70's when helmet was not even remotely heard. He was a great batsman who brought joy to those who watched him play. Even today he remains my all time favourite.
0
I am quite fortunate to follow the Little Master's carrier right right from the Kanpur match of 1969 and to that infamous tour of Pakistan in 1982 and had great memories of his classical batting winning scores. I still remember his interview with Suresh Sariah at the end of MCG Test 1980-81, Australia Tour in which India turned the tables with Vishwanath's century and Kapil , Karsan Ghavri and Dilip Joshis' 'superb spells. Viswanath stated that whenever he scored century India either won or drew but never lost. He is a genuine player who always played for the country and he is a true Gentle man. I am happy to go through the interview and thankful to Sekhar Gupta jee
As I high school student, we would go to GRV's house to get a glimpse of him. We were unlucky. But I saw him in KSCA. I wanted to shake hand. But couldn't and I was in awe of him. He was/is my idol. I have cried whenever he got out.
GRV Sir.. 🙏💐
You are right Sir. We were not fans, fanatics of Vishy. As you said whenever Vishy got out without scoring much, we would lose interest in that particular test match. If he scored well, we would enjoy all five days of the test. He was the next most popular person in Karnataka after Dr. Rajkumar during 1970s and early 80s.
Great human
I am lucky to have seen The Great Vishy in my younger days as he mentioned that he could not see himself. I have a very clear recording of him in my memory.... unforgettable.ThanksMr Vishvanath and God bless you and family 🙏
When I was studying 8th std around 73- 74 vishy sir was already playing for India. Still he was playing for his bank. Once he was playing in gymkhana ground coxtown next to my school and was sitting on a bench outside the pavillion. I approached him for autograph, he was so humble, he asked my name class school asked me sit next him discussed with me if I am playing cricket and talked about his experience playing againt other countries. His kannada use to be so beautiful. After that I watched many tests and even Ranji trophies in chinnaswamy stadium played by him.
An all time great !
Vishy played the game as a gentleman's game.
India never lost whenever he hit a century.
Entertaining batsman who found gaps on the field, as Gavaskar would recall much like Kapil Dev although relied on caressing touch more than brute power !
Read the book just the other day and found it fascinating!
ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು ವಿಶ್ವನಾಥ್ ಆವರೆ !
🙏🏼
In that 97 not out by Gundappa Vishwanath against West Indies in the 4th Test in Chennai in 1975, which I was fortunate to watch in the M A Chidambaram Stadium sitting at Pattabiram Gate End (Wallajah Road End), the one stroke which stood out and still in my memory (probably for many who watched the Innings also) was a straight driven 4 off the bowling of Andy Roberts (bowling from Pattabiram Gate End).
Incidentally that 97 not out was the only 2 figure Innings selected by Wisden as Top 100 Test Innings which list otherwise consisted only 3 figure Innings from Tests.
Wow sir...loved to read the vivid description of the epic shot ...respect to shot maker as well as u.
What an innings it was! Fortunate enough only to hear thro radio. If I correct it had Suresh Saraiah on the radio commentary team.
This will be remembered for generations because Vishy did not get his century.I will add 3 grace marks if I am an examiner
I remember the long shot photograph of that shot which came out in the newspaper then. It is still etched clearly in my mind. A great man, a lovely shot.
Wow. Thanks for sharing this information. Wisden choosing only GR sir's two digit innings in the list of great centuries speaks what a legend he was !
My father is 85 now they used stand in queue overnight and way GRV played Roberts in Chennai. It's a great innings. Still my father recollects that innings describe it.
Cricketer of our childhood days and loved and respected
Wonderful to see one of my idols on the screen after such a long time...Vishy ..Kaps...and the Wall..my idols
I remember he was so humble he hired an autoriksha to reach Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Indore from Airport.I have also read that during childhood Kapil Dev wanted to be like Vishy. Great to see him after all these years.
I'll never forget that 139 run eden garden innings in 1975 that vishi played against the mighty west indies.
Stay blessed Vishy! Thanks for all the wonderful memories. Mine is getting your autograph when you and others were preparing at the Kotla for the tour to Australia in 1980
Perhaps India's greatest batsman. One of the greatest for sure. Gavaskar repeatedly says, the two best in his generation were Vishy and Kapil
Respects to GR Vishwanath, a thorough gentleman and a champion cricketer who enhanced the reputation of the game! Thank you Shekhar Ji for the interview.
Absolutely fascinating interview. Candid questions and answers r[ght from the heart of GRV. Enjoyed most as he is the one cricketer who gave me immense satisfaction of playing the shots with effortless ease as he is a touch artiste. One small correction in the conversation - Gavaskar scored 96 in his last Test innings at Bangalore and not 97. Yours truly is cent percent sure on this score.
What a pleasant surprise. He n sunny gavaskar are both my idols since my college days.both made india proud with their partnerships n individual centuries.one of the finest cricketers india has ever produced.
What a great batsman and unassuming human being,had the great fortune of watching him and playing against him locally in Bengaluru and then interviewing him and doing commentary with him.Feel the present generation is an unfortunate generation not had the opportunity to watch him play.
Vishy is my childhood hero! How many times I had bunked school n college - when he was at the crease !!
And he never disappointed his fans - his batting was full of style, elegance, grace & gutsy shots !!
Even while listening to commentary on radio - it was exciting when we hear the words - Vishwanath is still there!!
So wonderful to see the great GRV open up and speak about varied topics… I can’t see anyone else besides Shekhar ji interview him… you are doing a great service to all of us Indians by documenting such legends for the generations post our time to know these fine people…heartfelt gratitude.🙏
Those days in Bangalore,one had to cycle about 15mts from South End cut across Ashok Pillar take what is now KH road ,swerve left through Richmond to reach MAC stadium.This man used to practice there when not playing.He was our hero,adored tad more than meticulous Sunny.Humble to the core,wizard with the bat.His square cuts used to be breathtaking.India won 13 times out of 14 times he scored centuries.Hats off to the maestro.
I have seen Vishy Sir's two innings in Ranji Trophy matches one at Feroz Shah Kotla against Delhi & other one at Mohan Nagar, Ghaziabad against UP in Ranji Final. What a what a wonderful batsman he was. Humble to the core, this nature of him also reflected in cricketing shots, rather than hitting, he alway caressed the ball to the boundary. His cover drives, square cuts & flicks were resemblance if beauty worth watching.
In 1969 against Australia, his bowlers back drives convinced Indian cricket followers that bowler like McKenzie can be hit back by Indian batters also.
God bless him. Long live Sir.
One of the greatest and favorite batsman ever. Wishy wishing you the best of the health 🙏
When Kapil Dev says he is the best no body in this world should doubt it.
Gr Viswanath already had played 10 years for India by the time Kapil Dev debuted for India. He was a legend years before Kapil Dev
Stylish , solid defence and never tied down, will find singles anywhere, an Indian great from a humble background , not a brat like we have today
Vishy is GeM of a person and played extraordinary cricket. His game never got the recognition from corridors of power. But he never crumbled.
gone are the days when Vishy and Sunny were playing the fast bowling without helmet ! simply great
My teenage hero. A great stylish batsman and Mr Dependable for the Indian team. A nice human being with great sense of humor. May God Bless him long , healthy and active life and May He Live on to complete a century
Such a great human being. A stupendous artistic cricketer! He was the demi God of cricket much much earlier to Sachin. His fan following was bigger than Dr Rajkumar, Amitab Bacchan and Rajesh Khanna put together!
We have seen (heard) most of his runs through the radio!
Wishing him Long life, our hero!
Only After Dr.Rajkumar(annavaru). I have seen it myself. Ask Vishwa himself and he would agree.
He is indeed my God of Cricket! Never again would there be another Vishy! 🙏
One of finest player from India. ❤
Absolutely! Connoisseur's delight.
A big thank you for this video of my favourite cricketer of India. Right from his zero and 137 in his first test, I have heard the commentary of every innings of his till 1983 . Even of the Ranji trophy matches he played after 1983. He was a thorn in the flesh of the great West Indies team (even Clive Lloyd used to say that). His ferocious square cuts would trouble all the opponents. I vividly remember his 97 not out against the West Indies.
It's a pity that not many Videos of his batting are available.
I wish him all the very best.
Thank you SG for your interview with my all time favorite cricketer GRV. So humble frank and simple GRV
Brilliant! What an absolute pleasure. What an absolute gentleman of the game of cricket. Thank you Shekhar!
Nostalgic . Many young cricketers hero of those times .Happy to see after such a long time . Good wishes and prayers for abundance of strength and energy , health and happiness . 💐❤️👍
The legendary GR Viswanath... my favourite Indian batsman.
Great to see him after a long time.
Looking forward to reading that book.
I might be 6 year old when I heard about Vishwanath Sir. My late father was the one exposed me to the brilliance of cricket and legend GR Vishwanath. I cannot forget that 222 runs against England in Chennai (Madras those days) . He has scored this in partnership with late Yashpal Shirma. Thanks Print for bringing this for all of us of that era when we were listening to the commentary of exploits of Vishwanath Sir.
I saw him during 1979-81 when I am doing my PG in IISc in Gymkhana ground. Once he came there to play a local match. By then I heard so much about his game on radio by the commentators. That was the first time I saw a cricketer so close. I saw him bat and saw one drive. The ball rolled all along the ground. Even though I never played the game I could sense the great technique in his hands. An amazing cricketer.
Thank you Shekarji for making this interview as a memorable one
Thanks Gundappa and Shekar ji enjoyed the conversation and looking forward to read the book. Happy to see you back in good health.
Some small corrections. Sunil Gavaskar scored 96 in his last test innings, vs Pakistan in Bangalore, not 97. Vishwanath scored 44 not out in the 1969 match India won vs Australia at Delhi, not 42 not out. Ashley Mallet didnt get Vishwanath out a couple of times, but 4 times in test matches. Vishwanath didnt play in the test India won in the West Indies in 1971, in which Salim Durrani got Sobers and Llyod out in the same innings. India didnt score 220 in 1st innings in Jubilee test, India scored 242. India scored 445, not 454, in the 4th innings vs Australia in the 5th test at Adelaide 1978 tour. The match in which Vishy and Gavaskar shared a century partnership and Alvin Kallicharan scored 187 was played at the Wankhede, not Brabourne.
Of what is all this statistics, it's a psychic problem with keeping this waste number about the game. It's of no use, who cares
Perfectly pointed out. I am 1966 born and all these innings i heard in the transistor i used to smuggle to school
Statistics is Fine. He is beyond Stats.
This is a rare interaction with Shri Gundappa Vishwanath, Let us enjoy the conversation
Its only statistics that counts at the end of day! I really appreciate your efforts of making corrections ! 🙏
True legend. Thanks for this interview!
Thank You I saw every Ball of 97 not out I was very fortunate!
vishy my child hood hero and my hero even today.He is a magician it cant be understood
Shekhar ji, thank you so much.. we lived and went thru whatever GR Vishwanath was saying.. honestly, most of us remember the glorious series of INDIA VS WEST INDIES 1974-75 SERIES 2 down equaled and lost finally at the last test match on the 6th Day at Wankede stadium ( the First Test match ) there..
Wonderful conversation! Loved it ! I will definitely read the book, your autobiography. 👍. Great Sunny, for encouraging Vishy to give up drinking and get healthy 👏👍
Affectionately called Vishy, Gundappa, GRV....
The little master, stylish batsman, man of crisis, magician with bat, sportsman in true spirit, exemplary stroke maker and many more adjectives fall short to describe him.
He mesmerised spectators across the world with his unfettered stroke-play. Though he is short in stature, his talent and attitude made him a towering personality. Not exaggerating to say that even opposite bowlers enjoyed his stylish batting and they did not mind being dominated by him.
Chewed my nails crazy when listening to commentary when Vishy was batting!! Every moment was magical!!
The paper cutting is still to my collection when The great jurnalist an writer Moti Nandi compared G R Viswanth with the dance of UdayShankar, and Karnati Raga of Sitar played by RaviShnkar after the century at Eden garden in 1975. He narated the play as an innings played by any cricketer in his dream. He was GRViswanath my all time Hero Cricketer not only in his classical batting against any type of bowling with a hat only. What a confidence! But also a man having extreme morality and a man having no enemy at all. He kept example to the next generations but the young generation to day is not matured mentally to his tune to accept his example.
I was witness to Sunny sir's 97, we friends cried when India lost inspite of one of best innings by Sunny sir.
I was in my 9 th class, when Gundappa Viswanath scored his maiden century on debut at Kanpur. To this day he remains the only cricket hero, I admired.
It comes out how nice a person Vishy is. Respect. A truly good presentation Shekhar and Print. 👍
I am a great fan of GR. Visvanath he just 3 years senior to me. His days Syed Kirmani his co mate. Great player India produced. If I meet him if he accept I will serve him best Biryani.
Thank you Shekhar for this interview. GRV has been my all time favourite- I used to bunk classes to listen to the commentary when he used to play!
Great sir Vishe atlast spoke
A legend always !
liked Vishy in Australia and west Indies..in Australia 1978 .he.had six consecutive 50s and was the highest scorer.of the series .was loved by one and all
GRV was a bold and couragious batsman regardless of dangerous fast bowlers of WI & Australia; not to be intimated by them. His technique was unique and always used straight bat just like Sunny and later by Sachin. He made a valid contribution to Indian cricket in the 1960s. He is very much humble.
.
My childhood cricket hero! So many wonderful memories of him and Gavaskar batting for India those days. Such a soft-spoken, self-effacing gentleman.
Loved watching him talk, something he does rarely.
One of India's Greatest, artistic & most humble. Great role model for young cricketers.
Shekar Gupta should let his guest speak more, without pre-empting or repeating or interrupting. Especially with a soft spoken gentleman all time great batsman like Vishy. Interviews or discussion would be so much better if Shekar adopts this seriously though it is difficult to curb this habit.
Felt the same
The great legendary GR Vishwanath ! Thanks Print.
I never forget the happiness he gave me through his consistently silky batting during my younger days
As expected, self-effacing, shy, charming. A pleasure listening to him.
Thanks for this, what a lovely conversation.
The covere drive the late cut was a favourite shot. Good fielder at slips. We have seen so many matches. Whenever he hit a ton the india has won the match... 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👌🏻👌🏻
In a way Mark Waugh and GR Vishwanath are similar sort of players.. casual elegance, about 18 odd hundreds, all match winning innings from both ..Vishy ofcourse an absolute gentleman..our best wishes.. sivaraman
Yes, I was really lucky to be there on that day to witness this maestro's epic innings at chipack grounds rated as one of the best innings of in test cricket history.
Fantastic player and a good gentleman. Great interview by Shekar as to be expected.
A true legend, frankly speaking cricketer.
Oh Vishwa... An elegant master with cricket... 100% sportman with broad mind and heart... An excellent human being... m privileged to have him as my VIP Customer at my SBI branch JPNagar Blore.. What a down to earth man... So simple.. Long live Vishy...
A gentleman and a great cricketer 👍🙏👏 Once I went to a Ranaji trophy match to see his game in Bangalore ,it's after his retirement from test cricket,he just scored 30 runs on that day. My generation cricket fans won't forget his sore of 97 not out at chepauk ,Madras and Sunil Gavaskar's 96 at chinanwamy stadium Bangalore against Pakistan was one of the greatest innings of his life,on a turning pitch he scored 96 runs, young budding cricketers must watch this video,a feast to watch., thanks Shekarji 👍🙏👏👏
A legend
Was so thrilled to read the book. So humbe gentleman. Very proud to be vishy fan.. Praying for your good health and happiness sir.. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I first heard of Gundappa Vishwanath when I was in the 2nd standard. The aussies had toured in 1969. The grown ups discussed cricket and my uncle said, with disdain 'he is an alcoholic'. Then in 1971 we followed the oval test on bbc radio. Vishy took India to the doorstep of it's first series win in England. In 1972,against England at home, he failed repeatedly, till the Kanpur test, when his 75 not out in the second innings preserved India's 2-1 lead. He then made 112 in the drawn Brabourne stadium test. In '74, in the 1st test in england, he and Sunny had a partnership till Vishy was bowled in the 40s by a ball from Underwood that turned. He made at least one or two more 50s in that series. In '75, at home against the west indies he failed in the first two tests. Then in Calcutta Gibbs and Barrett tied him down for a while.He broke the shackles and made 137 or so. In Madras, Doordarshan was televising live for the first time, starting with the test match. Roberts terrorized the Indian batting.The fielders were all in the slips. Vishy, undaunted made 97 not out.He straight drove for 4 as well off the back foot.In the 2nd innings which I watched in Chepauk, he made 40 plus runs. Vanburn Holder would stare at him after bowling every ball,and we booed Holder.Then he failed in Brabourne stadium. He partnered with Sunny in the successful 400 plus run chase in port of spain in 75. In 76-77, he initially middled every ball John Lever bowled in Delhi but was out lbw, then to Underwood trying to cut.He made a 100 in bangalore.In 75, he hit a six in our direction against north zone(bowler shukla or goel?) then was out,also to Madan Lal. He scored lots of runs in Australia in 77-78 against Thommo. In '79, he and Vengsarkar batted for 2 days to save the lords test.He made a 100. In 81 he made the 114 in melbourne. From 1971-74 he got out a lot in the 30s but won praise. When he was out he was criticized for 'playing a rash and impetous shot'.
Legendary Cricketer
Vishy i love you man. God bless you.
An Opportunity to Wish Our Greatest Hero Shri Gundappa Viswanath. We always Love you, all the Very Best Sir. God Bless you. Best Wishes
Awesome interview. Enjoyed it very much. I liked when he was batting. He was one of the most reliable in the India cricket team.
Wonderful interview. Loved Vishy then and now
Excellent
G R Vishwanath Indeed Great Cricketer 👍🏼 Great Gentleman 👍🏼
A true legend
My childhood cricketing hero. Modest and honest.
Little master was a pure delight to watch. I was fortune to see him at his best against world class bowling of 70 era. He was any day better than the present lot.
Good interview.. thks.
Found new format in this SG interview... all advertisers were offered to ask questions.. Good sales pitch.
Wonderful person played anchor role against the best he was overshadowed because of Gavaskar enjoyed watching him growing up he was one of my favorites…
In Hubli...Kembhavi tournament...Hubli sports ground...Vishy played for State Bank...In first match he was out for 4 runs....but in the final played superb 80 runs....I watched the match and his beautiful innings
Brilliant batsman and great fun to watch. The quintessential entertainer.
Very happy to see this RARE video of one of the REAL GREATS of indian cricket.
Very pleasant interview. Good for relaxation.
GRV a gentleman cricketer nodoubt my favourite as many others. A genius
Vishy is a gifted batsman. He scored 137 which included 25 boundaries on debut. This is a record. It was a delight to watch when he was in full flow.
M K Srinivasa.
Real legend
Praying God bless him with everything best
I have read the book.It is lovely to read.I was remembering article of The Hindu and match commentary from Radio.Still he is my favourite cricketer.The book can have coommeds of other great players about Vishy.An wonderful book for cricket lovers
' AMI VISHY Bolchhi ' was a biography i bought in the 80s. It was a bengali book but very well written i think my jayanta chowdhury.
I would have loved to hear about his childhood heros. Till 40:00 there was no talk of this.