Living legend Sunil Gavaskar is well known for his fabulous sense of humour. Yet again he showed the world how to play a joke on the sports fraternity and administrators. At a function in Kolkata he gave a lovely speech involving an interesting story relating to another legend Chuni Goswami, in whose honour an entrance gate was being inaugurated at a famous club in Kolkata.

Sunil told the gullible audience that he had caught Chuni-da  on 96 at slips in a Ranji Trophy match. The Kolkata sports media lapped up the story and splashed it all over the front pages, sending readers salivating for more.

If you wish to be fooled on an April day, I have no problems. However if you wish to acquaint yourself with the facts then read on:

1.  In 1968-69 Chuni-da had scored 96 and 84 in the Ranji Trophy final against Bombay at Brabourne Stadium. Sunil was not in the Bombay team at the time. Wadekar and Ambar Roy were the captains. Chuni-da was caught by Sudhir Naik off Ajit Pai in the 1st innings and was bowled by Milind Rege in the 2nd Innings.

2.  In 1970-71 at Eden Gardens, Chuni-da scored 34* and 40 versus Bombay at Eden Gardens. Sunil also did not play in this Ranji Trophy semi-final match. Sudhir Naik led Bombay and Ambar Roy led Bengal. 

3.  In 1971-72 in the RT final at Brabourne Stadium, Sunil and Chuni-da met for the only time in a Ranji Trophy match. In this match Sunil caught Chuni-da on zero at slip. Ajit Wadekar and Chuni Goswami were the respective captains. In the 2nd innings Chuni-da was bowled by Rege for 5.

I wish Sunil would take the opportunity to rectify what he said and tell the world that it was only a joke.Otherwise, coming from a person of his iconic status, this 'joke' will become another myth of Indian cricket.