Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Sunil Gavaskar
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Cricketers are often honoured in various ways, including awards, statues and the naming of stands or entire stadiums. Having a stadium named after a player is considered a very high recognition. This question asks about the first Indian cricketer for whom a cricket stadium was named, reflecting the respect he earned through performance and contribution to the sport.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question looks for the first Indian cricketer to be honoured with a stadium in his name.
- Options list four legendary Indian batsmen from different eras.
- We assume awareness of historic batsmen and special honours given to them.
- The focus is on "first" and on a complete stadium, not just a stand or pavilion.
Concept / Approach:
The correct concept is that Sunil Gavaskar, a pioneering opening batsman, was the first Indian cricketer to have a cricket ground named after him. Various sources describe the naming of a stadium abroad in his honour. While Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag have also received many honours, the specific claim about being the first cricketer from India to have an entire stadium named after him is linked with Sunil Gavaskar.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the four options and their approximate playing eras.
Step 2: Note that Sunil Gavaskar belongs to an earlier generation than Tendulkar, Ganguly and Sehwag.
Step 3: Remember reading in GK or sports compilations that a cricket stadium was named after Sunil Gavaskar, marking a first for an Indian cricketer.
Step 4: Recognise that stadiums and stands named after Sachin Tendulkar appeared later and are not usually described as the very first such honour.
Step 5: Select Sunil Gavaskar as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
A useful check is to recall that Sunil Gavaskar broke many records in Test cricket, including being one of the earliest to cross major run and century milestones. This made him a natural candidate for special honours from cricket associations. In contrast, Sachin Tendulkar, while extremely decorated, comes from a later era and many of his honours were conferred after Gavaskar had already been recognised. Sourav Ganguly and Sehwag are even more recent. Chronology plus reference to GK sports notes confirms the answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sachin Tendulkar does have stands and other structures named after him, but the distinction of being the first Indian cricketer with a stadium named after him does not generally belong to him in standard GK material.
Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag have both been honoured in various ways, yet are not documented as the earliest Indian cricketers to receive such a stadium naming honour.
Hence these options, while involving high profile players, do not satisfy the "first stadium" condition set by the question.
Common Pitfalls:
Because Sachin Tendulkar is often called the greatest Indian batsman and has a huge fan base, many candidates instinctively pick his name for any superlative related to honours. This is a classic example of popularity bias. To avoid such errors, focus on what is actually written in exam oriented sports facts lists, where Sunil Gavaskar is clearly mentioned for this specific achievement. Careful reading of the word "first" is also essential.
Final Answer:
Sunil Gavaskar
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