I wanted to write earlier, but something or the other came in the way. Then I thought it better to write at the beginning of the new season rather than at the end of last season.

      Congratulations on your performance last season. What was most impressive was the way you batted alone when the others around you were not contributing much. Keep it up.

      Also please do not neglect your studies. My experience is that education helps you through bad patches in whichever career you choose.

      So go ahead and God bless.

Regards,
Sunil Gavaskar

PS: Don't be disappointed at not getting the Best Junior Cricketer award from the B.C.A. If you look at the best award winners, you will find one name missing and that person has not done too badly in test cricket!!

(Full text of letter written to Sachin in August 1987.)