My First Steps by Sunil Gavaskar – Summary (NIOS Class 12 English)
My First Steps by Sunil Gavaskar – Summary (NIOS Class 12 English)
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Introduction
“My First Steps” is an inspiring autobiographical chapter written by Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s greatest cricketers. In this chapter, Gavaskar shares interesting incidents from his childhood and explains how he developed a deep passion for cricket. The lesson highlights the importance of hard work, determination, and destiny.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Birth and the Hospital Incident
Sunil Gavaskar was born on 10 July 1949 in Mumbai.
Soon after his birth, his uncle Narayan Masurekar (Nan-Kaka) visited the hospital and noticed a tiny hole in the upper part of the baby’s left ear lobe. This unique mark helped him identify the newborn.
The next day, when Nan-Kaka returned, he was shocked to find that the baby in the crib did not have the hole. Realizing that a mistake had occurred, the family searched anxiously and discovered the real baby Sunil sleeping peacefully beside a fisherwoman.
Gavaskar later humorously remarked that if his uncle had not noticed the tiny hole, he might have grown up in a fisherman’s family and become a fisherman instead of a world-famous cricketer.
Cricket in the Family
Cricket was a natural part of Gavaskar’s life.
- His father was a skilled club cricketer.
- His uncle, Madhav Mantri, represented India in four Test matches.
Because of this strong cricketing background, Gavaskar says that “cricket was in my blood.” This means that his love for the game was inherited from his family.
Inspiration from Madhav Mantri
Whenever Sunil visited his uncle’s house, he admired the beautiful cricket sweaters and pullovers that his uncle had earned while playing for India.
Young Sunil often asked if he could have one of those sweaters. His uncle always replied that such rewards could be earned only through dedication and hard work.
Madhav Mantri taught him a valuable lesson:
There is no shortcut to success. One must work hard to achieve one’s goals.
This advice left a lasting impression on Gavaskar and motivated him to practice seriously.
Childhood Passion for Batting
From an early age, Sunil wanted to become a great batsman.
When he got out while playing with other boys, he would become upset and sometimes argue with them. In anger, he would take his bat and ball and return home.
Since no one else in the neighborhood owned a bat and ball, the other boys depended on him to continue the game. To manage his behavior, they devised a plan: whenever Sunil came out to bat, they would all appeal loudly on a particular ball, and he would have to accept the decision and leave.
These incidents show how deeply Sunil loved batting from childhood.
Moral of the Lesson
The chapter teaches several important life lessons:
- Hard work is essential for success.
- Family support can shape a child’s future.
- Small incidents can change the course of life.
- Passion and determination help achieve greatness.
Conclusion
“My First Steps” is a fascinating account of Sunil Gavaskar’s early life and cricket journey. From a remarkable hospital incident to the influence of his cricket-loving family, every event contributed to his success. The chapter inspires students to pursue their dreams with dedication and perseverance.
My First Steps – Flash Cards
Click on a card to reveal the answer.
Question 1
When was Sunil Gavaskar born?
Answer
10 July 1949
Question 2
Who noticed the small hole in Gavaskar's left ear?
Answer
Narayan Masurekar
Question 3
Where was baby Sunil found after the mix-up?
Answer
Beside a fisherwoman
Question 4
What did Gavaskar say he might have become?
Answer
A fisherman
Question 5
Who played Test cricket for India?
Answer
Madhav Mantri
Question 6
How many official Test matches did Madhav Mantri play?
Answer
4 Test Matches
Question 7
What lesson did Madhav Mantri teach?
Answer
There is no shortcut to success
Question 8
What did Sunil admire at his uncle's house?
Answer
Pullovers and sweaters
Question 9
What did Sunil want to become?
Answer
Batsman
Question 10
What would Sunil do when he got angry while playing?
Answer
Take his bat and ball home
Tap any card to flip it.