Short Questions with Answers
1. Who released Gavaskar’s book Idols on the eve of the test?
Answer : Kapil Dev released the book with Clive Lloyd as the chief guest.
2. Why did Gavaskar leave the nets early during practice?
Answer : He wanted to avoid a fight with the crowd after they made nasty remarks.
3. What did young girls ask Gavaskar to do?
Answer : They asked him to score the fastest century, which he laughed off due to low confidence.
4. What does the word ‘battle’ in the lesson refer to?
Answer : It refers to the upcoming test match against the West Indies.
5. Why did Gavaskar’s wife’s friend visit him?
Answer : Bijoya came to meet his wife after years, which led to an impromptu gathering.
6. What does Gavaskar mean by ‘another hurdle passed’?
Answer : He refers to scoring his first runs and avoiding a duck.
7. Why does Gavaskar avoid looking at the scoreboard while batting?
Answer : It keeps him relaxed and prevents unnecessary pressure.
8. What was Gavaskar’s reaction when he crossed his century?
Answer : He was surprised as he thought he was still in the 80s.
9. What did Gavaskar consider his best century?
Answer : The century at Old Trafford in 1974, due to tough conditions and personal doubts.
10. What was the crowd’s attitude toward Gavaskar during his lean phase?
Answer : They often criticized and mocked him, showing little empathy.
11. What emotions did Gavaskar feel on the morning of the test match?
Answer : He was nervous but focused, which helped sharpen his performance.
12. Why was applause absent when Gavaskar crossed 50 runs?
Answer : The shot for the boundary mingled with other sounds, and he missed it.
13. What gesture surprised Gavaskar after his century?
Answer : Fellow players and opponents congratulated him warmly, showing respect.
14. Why did Gavaskar consider the Delhi pitch favorable?
Answer : It was good for batting, with little movement for bowlers initially.
15. What was the significance of Gavaskar’s 29th century?
Answer : It matched Don Bradman’s record and delighted Indian fans.
16. How did Gavaskar’s innings start on a positive note?
Answer : He scored off Marshall’s third ball, which boosted his confidence.
17. What does Gavaskar say about crowd behavior in India?
Answer : Crowds tend to mock struggling players, making recovery harder.
18. What message was conveyed in Gavaskar’s autobiography?
Answer : It highlights determination, honesty, and gratitude toward fans.
19. Why did Gavaskar find Marshall’s bouncers manageable?
Answer : The Delhi wicket offered no assistance to bowlers early on.
20. What did the messages under Gavaskar’s door mean to him?
Answer : They provided emotional support, helping him feel relaxed before the game.
Medium Questions with Answers
1. How did Gavaskar plan to tackle the West Indian bowlers?
Answer : Gavaskar confidently hooked bouncers and adapted to the Delhi pitch, which favored batting. His proactive approach helped him deal with Marshall’s pace and bounce effectively. This showed his mental readiness and strategic mindset.
2. Why does Gavaskar not consider this century his best despite its speed?
Answer : Although this century was his fastest, Gavaskar valued his Old Trafford century more due to tougher conditions. The earlier century restored his confidence after a long drought. He believed success under adversity holds greater significance.
3. What does Gavaskar’s honesty reveal about his autobiography?
Answer : Gavaskar openly admits his failures, discusses criticism, and shares his emotional struggles. His candid reflections on both achievements and disappointments make his writing relatable and inspiring. This honesty enriches the authenticity of his autobiography.
4. What role did the audience play in Gavaskar’s career?
Answer : Fans’ cheers motivated Gavaskar, especially during tough phases. Their constant support and prayers encouraged him to perform under pressure. This emotional connection drove him to achieve milestones like the 29th century.
5. Why does Gavaskar believe applause helps a performer?
Answer : Applause boosts confidence, creating a supportive environment for performers. For Gavaskar, it brought focus and positivity, especially during critical moments. It reflects the emotional bond between the audience and the player.
6. How did Gavaskar react to taunts from the practice crowd?
Answer : Gavaskar avoided escalating tensions by leaving the nets early. He chose to stay calm and focus on the match rather than engaging with critics. This showed his maturity and ability to handle pressure.
7. What does Gavaskar’s relationship with his teammates reveal about his character?
Answer : Gavaskar valued camaraderie, evident in his bond with Kapil Dev and Vengsarkar. He respected their contributions and celebrated victories as a team. This humility and teamwork enhanced his legacy.
8. How does Gavaskar show resilience during challenging situations?
Answer : Gavaskar overcame criticism, low confidence, and tough bowling by staying focused and adapting his techniques. His determination turned failures into milestones, proving his resilience. His story inspires overcoming setbacks with persistence.
9. What does Gavaskar mean by “a century is just a milestone”?
Answer : Gavaskar believed that a batsman should focus on scoring runs beyond personal milestones. A century is important but only a step toward contributing more to the team. This reflects his commitment to team success over individual glory.
10. How did the Delhi pitch contribute to Gavaskar’s success?
Answer : The Delhi pitch offered consistent bounce and limited movement, making it ideal for batting. Gavaskar capitalized on these conditions with precise shots and smart planning. His confidence grew with each stroke.
Long Questions with Answers
1. Why couldn’t Gavaskar get proper rest before the test match?
Answer : Gavaskar intended to rest after the Idols book release function, but Bijoya, his wife’s friend, visited them after many years. This led to a lively gathering in his hotel room, involving Bijoya’s siblings and their families. The impromptu party went on till midnight, depriving Gavaskar of the rest he needed before the match.
2. How did Kapil Dev’s reaction to winning the toss affect Gavaskar?
Answer : When Kapil Dev entered the dressing room with a grin, announcing that he had won the toss, it created a mix of excitement and nervousness. Gavaskar felt his stomach muscles tighten as the realization of batting first in a test match sank in. This tension, though common even for experienced players, showed their commitment to performance. Such moments underline the mental preparation needed in cricket.
3. How did Gavaskar tackle the West Indian bowling attack in the match?
Answer : Gavaskar planned his innings by playing confidently on a batting-friendly Delhi pitch. He hooked bouncers from the bowlers like Marshall, showing his aggression. Though he faced a few tense moments, luck favored him with a missed catch and misjudged nick. This combination of planning and determination helped him regain his form during the innings.
4. What was Gavaskar’s reaction to reaching his 29th century?
Answer : Gavaskar was surprised when Dilip Vengsarkar congratulated him, as he thought he was still in the 80s. The milestone brought immense relief and joy as fans had been eagerly waiting for this record-equalling feat. He deeply appreciated the support of Indian cricket lovers, acknowledging their patience and prayers for his success.
5. Why does Gavaskar consider applause important during performances?
Answer : Applause motivates and encourages a performer, giving them confidence to excel further. Gavaskar mentions that cheers from the audience create a positive atmosphere, helping him focus on his batting. It also connects him emotionally with fans who share his struggles and triumphs. Such recognition fosters a strong bond between the player and the audience.
6. How did luck favor Gavaskar during his innings?
Answer : Luck played a role when a bouncer missed his bat and brushed his cap, confusing the umpire, who added runs to his name. Another lucky moment occurred when a ball he hit narrowly escaped being caught due to the fielder’s height. These incidents highlight how cricket often combines skill and fortune.
7. Why did Gavaskar consider his century at Old Trafford his best?
Answer : Gavaskar’s century at Old Trafford in 1974 remains special because it came under challenging conditions. It broke his three-and-a-half-year drought of centuries, restoring his confidence. The tough batting conditions and self-doubt made the achievement significant. It marked a turning point in his career, giving him a “new lease of life.”
8. What was Gavaskar’s mindset while planning his innings?
Answer : Gavaskar approached his innings with a calm and focused strategy, understanding the pitch and bowlers’ strengths. His early boundary and decisive hooks against bouncers boosted his confidence. This proactive approach reflected his determination to prove himself and turn his career around.
9. What lesson does Gavaskar’s story teach about failure and success?
Answer : Gavaskar’s lean patch shows how persistence, planning, and self-belief can transform failure into success. Despite criticism and self-doubt, he prepared mentally and performed exceptionally. His journey underscores that challenges are stepping stones to success when met with resilience.
10. How did Gavaskar’s fans influence his performance?
Answer : Fans’ constant wishes for his 29th century added pressure but also motivated Gavaskar to deliver. Their enthusiasm and prayers made him realize his importance to them. Their unwavering support turned his success into a shared victory, further solidifying his bond with the cricket-loving public.
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