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Gavaskar celebrates 60th birthday in Puttaparthi

July 10, 2009 20:21 IST

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar celebrated his 60th birthday on Friday in solemn fashion at Puttaparthi, the abode of Sri Satya Sai Baba, in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.

Accompanied by wife Marshniel, son Rohan and former brother-in-law, India batsman Gundappa Viswanath, Gavaskar reached Puttaparthi Ashram from Bangalore and met with Sai Baba in the morning.

Baba blessed Gavaskar, the first cricketer to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket, and expressed his good wishes.

"I am extremely fortunate and happy that I celebrated by birthday here at Puttaparthi at Baba's Ashram," Gavaskar said after meeting Sai Baba.

Known to be a devotee of Sai Baba, Gavaskar said he missed his fans on the occasion and thanked all of them for their greetings and good wishes.

"What attracted me to Puttaparthi today was the presence of Baba and his teachings of peace and love," he added.

Mohammed Siddique in Hyderabad