Picture this: a young batsman from Mysore, stepping into Test cricket against a formidable Australia, ducks in the first dig, then unleashes 137 runs to salvage a draw. That was Gundappa Viswanath in 1969, launching a career where every century meant safety for India.
Born in 1949, his domestic exploits—a double hundred on debut—earned him the blue cap. In 91 Tests, he piled 6,080 runs at 41.93, with 14 hundreds against all touring nations, a unique feat. India won four and drew ten of those games, never losing when GRV fired.
His no-nets-before-match ritual baffled peers but worked wonders, fueled by impeccable technique. ODIs were modest—439 runs in 25 games—but his Test legacy endures. After hanging boots in 1983, he shaped the game as referee, selector, and administrator, bagging the Arjuna in 1977.
Viswanath’s era celebrated artistry over aggression. As modern stars chase records, his unbeaten streak post-ton serves as a benchmark of reliability and class.