Gavaskar at his best could put you to sleep?Did you even bother reading up about him/seeing him play or are you just following the stereotype?
Just some Innings of my mind..
2nd Test: India v West Indies at Delhi, Oct 29-Nov 3, 1983 | Cricket Scorecard | Cricinfo.com
121 of 128 balls against Marshall and Holding at their peaks(They both took over thirty wickets that series at or below 20)
6th Test: India v West Indies at Chennai, Dec 24-29, 1983 | Cricket Scorecard | Cricinfo.com
236 of 425 balls coming in at 0-2 against Marshall,Holding and Roberts in the same series. Roberts admittedly not at his best.
3rd Test: India v West Indies at Ahmedabad, Nov 12-16, 1983 | Cricket Scorecard | Cricinfo.com
90 of 120 balls against Marshall and Holding in the same series
Reading off the scoreboard, You know who Gavaskar had for company to face one of the greatest attacks put together of all time? In order, Gaekwad, Sidhu, Patil, Shastri, Binny Dev, Azad, Kirmani, Sandhu, Singh. Only one of them averaged over 40 overall(Sidhu) and he wasn't the Batsman he became later then.
Gavaskar had to face extreme pressure through out his career. Journalists relished every opportunity to criticize him and ask for his retirement, When Gavaskar was bowled by Holding for 90 and could not achieve his 30th century that test, A Journalist gave Holding a box of vintage wine! He had to face angry mobs whenever he had a poor run.
Like he said in 'Runs n' Ruins' Batting slowly was not a choice, the situations Gavaskar faced warranted it.
If you have any more doubts about Gavaskar's ability against quality bowling
Marylebone Cricket Club v Rest of the World XI at Lord's, Aug 20-25, 1987 | Cricket Scorecard | Cricinfo.com
188 of 351 against Hadlee and Marshall opening the bowling in the year he retired, Rice and Shastri as the other bowlers.