Sunil Gavaskar was one of the best batsman produced by India and arguably one of the most daring top order players in history.

Gavaskar, who turns 67 today, was a technically sound opener who broke many records in his prolific career.

‘Sunny’ held the record of 34 Test centuries for almost two decades before it was broken by Sachin Tendulkar. He was the first batsman to score 10,000 Test runs and finished his 125-Test career with an average of 51.12.

Gavaskar was particularly known for his fearless technique against fast bowling, with a high average of 65.45 against the West Indies side of the 1970s and 1980s, who possessed a fearsome attack, on mostly uncovered pitches and wearing nothing more than a hat for protection.

Following his retirement, Gavaskar became a high profile TV commentator.

Here’s who else is celebrating:

1921: Jake LaMotta, American former world middleweight champion boxer who was nicknamed ‘Raging Bull’ (95).

1945: Virginia Wade, ex-tennis player. Britain’s 1977 Wimbledon singles champion. Won three grand slams (71).

1976: Edmilson, former Brazil and Barcelona midfielder who won the 2002 World Cup with Canarinho (40).

1985: Mario Gomez, Germany and Fiorentina striker, who has also played for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich (31).