In an exclusive interview with Sudeer Mahavaad, Gundappa Vishwanath said, it was a great honour playing for India.

Gundappa Ranganath Vishwanath, the then little master who won many a match for India with his fabulous batting, turns 60 today and says that he is still enjoying coaching the yougsters at NCA, Bangalore.

Q. espnstar.com wishes you a Happy birthday, Vishy?

A. Thank you very much.

Q. As you turn 60 today, how special is this birthday for you?

A. Well, every birthday is important for anyone. Yes, this birthday is really going to be something special as I am entering 60. Great William Shakespear in his seven stages of man's life says we are into the fifth stage. Retired from your job, you just look forward to do whatever you still can do.

Looking back at my playing days, I feel fortunate to have played for the country for a long time. Happy with whatever opportunities I got. I served as a player, chairman of selectors, manager of the Indian team, I was an international referee. And more importantly, I am still involved in coaching the youngsters at NCA. I have been really privileged.

Q. Any surprise on this birthday?

A. Well! I am just looking forward to Sunny coming tomorrow. That is going to be a surprise. All our relatives have already arrived and we are all planning to go to Puttaparthi also.

Q. You have played so many memorable innings. Looking back at your career, which one is the most special for you?

A. Well, all the matches where India won were special. We cannot forget 1970 win against England in England, the victory against the West Indies, chasing 400 plus, the one at Melbourne in 1981 and in Chennai against the West Indies. They still linger in our memory. I enjoyed playing a part in that team.

Q. But on both the occassions in England as well as in the West Indies, you got dismissed after playing a vital role, when India was about to win.

A. Yes, it is true. It was a bit disappointing. In England, I remember I played a rash stroke and in the West Indies I was run out. But, we won in the end and that is most important.

Q. Recently, the present little master -- Sachin Tendulkar played a superb knock at Chennai? How do you rate that?

A. It was as good as Sunny's or mine at Port of Spain. It was a gem of an innings by Sachin. I enjoyed every moment of that on television. In the end, he made the difficult target look easy. He is a superb player. I personally feel chasing anything 250 plus in the second innings is always difficult. But these were the cherishable moments in our history.

Q. Of all the fast bowlers you faced, who do you rate as the best?

A. Well! I enjoyed playing all. Those who got me out were fantastic. The West Indians were superb. Australia's Lillee and Thomson, NewZealand's Hadlee, Pakistan's Imran Khan, Bob Willisand Botham of England were really good. They hardly gave you a chance to rectify. It was a thrill facing these genuine bowlers.

Q. How was it facing McKengie in your first Test at Kanpur?

A. It was realy something special, not only facing the Australian pace bowlers on my debut match but also the spinners in Bob Massie, Gleeson. How can I forget that century after getting out for a duck in the first innings.

Q. Having helped the country in many roles, how are you looking at it now?

A. I am happy to be still involved with coaching at the NCA. I am enjoying more now, teaching the youngsters. I am happy to give back whatever way I can to the game, which gave me everthing in my life. No regrets. I played with some fantastic cricketers like Gavaskar, Chandra, Bedi, Prasanna Wadekar and Kirmani and others. What can you hope for.

Anshuman Gaekwad wishes the Little Master a Happy Birthday

Q. Your relation with Vishy?

A. Viswanath was always special to me during my playing days. I would not have achieved even half in cricket without Vishy's support. I still remember as a youngster when I walked, the inspiration I got from him. He was really instrumental in my success.

I was lucky to be involved in some important partnerships with him - in Calcutta and in Kanpur against the West Indies. He was a treat to watch. You would gain confidence with Vishy batting at the other end. He taught me many things in the game. In one word, I can say he was a magnificient cricketer.

Q. What is that you liked in him?

A. Well, he was a wonderful human being. We all know how true sportsman he was. The way he used to encourage the yougsters, I don't think anyone did that way. We are all indebted to him for his inspiration and support.

He would never let anyone down. He came all the way to attend my son's marriage. It was something special for us.

Q. What should the youngsters learn from this genuis?

A. What not? How to be a good human being, how to be a gentleman. After achieving many things in life he is not proud. He is as simple now as he always used to be. We are no longer playing now, but are in regular touch. He still inspires me.