Wisden Recognition — Year-Specific Award Who among the following was named as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1980?

Introduction / Context:
Wisden Cricketers of the Year is among cricket's oldest honors. The award is tied to performances in the preceding English season, and each year features a small set of honorees. Knowing who was recognized in a given year helps distinguish detailed cricket historians from casual fans.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target year: 1980.
• Candidates listed are renowned Indian cricketers across eras.
• Exactly one of the options aligns with 1980 honorees.

Concept / Approach:
We align each player's peak English-season impact and archival lists of Wisden awardees to the specific year asked.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Wisden's historical roster confirms Sunil Gavaskar among the 1980 Cricketers of the Year. The others were honored in different years or not in that specific set.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Madan Lal: Not a 1980 honoree.
• Bishen Singh Bedi: Associated with earlier recognition, not 1980.
• Abbas Ali Baig: From an earlier era; not selected in 1980.
• None of the above: Invalid as Gavaskar fits 1980.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming any famous player from that era must be correct without checking the exact year, or confusing Wisden India awards with the original Cricketers of the Year list.

Final Answer:
Sunil Gavaskar