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On his birthday, story to bring you the humility of Mr. GR Viswanath, a great human and batsman unparalleled. It was March 22, 2013. The order was changing. @sachin_rt was into his farewell year and @SDhawan25 had arrived with a bang – century on debut v Australia at Mohali 
The knock by Shikhar was a package of vintage strokes. Far away, in Bangalore, Mr. Viswanath had watched it like a fan. I was in the office when I saw a report in the system by one of my Bangalore colleagues. He had spoken to Mr. Viswanath on Shikhar’s awesome knock
Mr. Viswanath had expressed his delight at record (highest on debut) being broken and I remember him praising Shikar's fantastic timing. "Not seen an innings like this. What an innings I say," Mr. Viswanath exclaimed. This was no less than a cricket Oscar for Shikhar
On way home, I called Mr. Viswanath to praise him for his comments on Shikhar. “How do you know ? It has not even come in the newspaper,” he asked. I told him I had seen the report in the office system. “Oh! Can you send me Shikhar’s number. I want to congratulate him.”
I told Mr. Viswanath "Let me share your number with Shikhar and allow him to call you." The gentleman that he is, Mr. Viswanath said, "No, no. You just send me his number. I will make the call." I was in a dilemma. What if Shikhar did not take the call. I mumbled "Fine Sir?"
I lost little time in calling Shikhar to alert "expect a call from the great Mr. Viswanath." My intention was to ensure Shikhar took the call since he wouldn't have answered an unfamiliar number. I was shocked. Shikhar didn't want Mr. Viswanath to call. "Don't give my number."
“That would be sin,” was Shikhar’s response. "Please give me Vishy Sir's number and don't share my number with him." This was amazing. Mr. Viswanath's humility and Shikhar's devotion. I left it to Shikhar even as I felt bad to have kept Mr. Viswanath waiting. I had no choice
All this happened within 10 minutes. The call to Mr. Viswanath when passing India Gate and Shikhar even as I got past the traffic at Pragati Maidan (I was not driving 
) But I felt bad. Mr. Viswanath was waiting for my message. I was not sure when would Shikhar call him
) But I felt bad. Mr. Viswanath was waiting for my message. I was not sure when would Shikhar call him
Even before I reached home, my phone rang. It was Shikhar. "Baat ho gayi," he sounded so thrilled. The pupil had been blessed by the Master and I was mighty relieved. "Shikhar called I say," the words from Mr. Viswanath were music to my ears
For the record, Mr. Viswanath's 137 (with 25 fours) on debut had come at Kanpur against Australia in 1969 and Shikhar's 187 came off 174 balls (33 fours and two sixes). This story is about Mr. Viswanath humble character. Also the respect he commands across generations
Wishing Mr. Gundappa Viswanath (born 1949) a great birthday. India never lost when Vishy Sir hit a Test hundred (14). Bowlers loved punishment from him. He reportedly once walked at a leg-before appeal. Grace personified, he is a rare jewel of the game 
@BishanBedi @kaypeem
@BishanBedi @kaypeem
