Test career
He made his Test debut against the West Indies on 6 March 1971 and played his last Test against Pakistan on 13 March 1987. In 125 Tests he scored 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12, with 34 centuries and 45 fifties. He scored 774 runs in his debut series against the West Indies, a record for a debutant at the time.
He was the first cricketer to pass 10,000 Test runs, reaching the mark at Ahmedabad in 1987. He was also the first to play 100 consecutive Test matches.
ODI career
He made his ODI debut against England on 13 July 1974 and played his last ODI against England on 5 November 1987. He played 108 ODIs and scored 3,092 runs at an average of 35.13.
Awards and honours
He received the Padma Bhushan in 1980, was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1980, and was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009. He received the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in November 2012.
- Revolutionized modern cricket as the legendary opening batter who became the first player in history to surpass 10,000 Test runs and shattered numerous longevity and debut records.
- Cemented his elite status through prestigious accolades including the Padma Bhushan, Wisden Cricketer of the Year, and induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, alongside having the iconic Border-Gavaskar Trophy named in his honor.
- Transitioned into a powerhouse post-playing career as a prolific broadcaster, elite columnist, and high-ranking administrator, serving in pivotal leadership roles for the BCCI and ICC.
Later career
He served as Sheriff of Bombay from 1995 to 1996. He was the first Indian to deliver the MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture, in 2003. He chaired the ICC Cricket Committee until May 2008, and in March 2014 he was appointed interim president of the BCCI by the Supreme Court.
