As the dapper and fit Gavaskar took the dais, he bowled the spectators over with sheer presence. He began the innings with his characteristic wit - ``Yesterday, Lambuji was here, today Chotuji is here, yesterday, Bade Miyan was here, today Chote Miyan is here.'' Confessing that his Hindi was unfortunately the typical Bambaiya Hindi, Gavaskar's speech was made in Marathi, peppered with English phrases.

In cricket, however much one may plan, once the batsman has to face the bowler on the field, it's a different ball game altogether, confessed the cricketer, who never really planned to take up cricket as a profession when he was a schoolboy. ``I loved playing cricket, and my parents encouraged me, but at the same time they insisted I pay attention to studies,'' he relates.

And this contributed tremendously to his spectacular success in later years. ``I realised this when I played. For the scientific analysis of the game, a sound education is necessary,'' he felt. As the Xavierite began to concentrate more and more on cricket, he observed that Lady Luck also began to tilt the scales in his favour. ``I was lucky I passed my exams without studying really hard, and the luck factor also `played' a large role in my career, especially in the beginning. In the series against West Indies in 1971, I made 737 runs because Gary Sobers dropped some vital catches,'' said the magnanimous batsman, winning the crowd's approval as they clapped loudly.

Apart from the luck element, Gavaskar's uncle, cricketer Madhav Mantri, helped shape his glorious innings. At an Inter-Collegiate match, when he made 200-odd runs and threw his wicket, his uncle remarked, ``when the bowler does not favour you, why are you being kind to him!'' Since then Gavaskar made a vow never to surrender his wicket in any game, but made every bowler work hard to get him out, a practice he maintained throughout his career.

Determination, dedication and discipline are the key to success - is the message which Gavaskar would like to impart to young sportsmen. ``You have to knock on the selector's doors, by playing well consistently. And if they don't hear, break the door down by bettering each performance,'' is his sound advice. The ups and downs of life must be met as a challenge, without quitting till the end.

``Don't quit when things go wrong, when the road you are trudging is uphill, the funds are low and the debts are high, when care is pressing, take rest if you must, but don't you quit,'' he said, reciting from the note his father gave him. He proceeded, ``Success is failure turned inside out. You can never tell, it may seem far when it's near and when hardest hit, you just fight harder!''

An inspiring knock by the ace batsman, reminiscent of his grit - grace on the field! And the spectators had a field day too, floored by everything that the charming and charismatic cricketer offered!