From Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar: 7 Indian cricketers whose sons also became cricketers

In India, cricket isn’t just a sport; sometimes it’s almost the family profession. There is something deeply human about watching a son walk out to the same pitch where his father once stood, carrying not just a bat, but the weight of a billion expectations and a legendary surname. Here we list some dynasties where the "cricket gene" proved to be very real.

Sunil Gavaskar was the cricketer who stood tall against the world’s most fearsome bowlers without a helmet. His son, Rohan, was a gritty left-hander who, contrary to popular belief, carved his legacy primarily with Bengal in domestic cricket rather than Mumbai.
The Reality: Rohan played 11 ODIs for India, scoring a half-century against Australia in 2004. While he didn't reach the "Mount Everest" heights of his father, he earned deep respect as a domestic giant.

Photo: Yogen Shah

It is perhaps the hardest job in the world to be "Sachin’s son" on a cricket pitch. Arjun has handled the glare with remarkable poise, pivoting from Mumbai to Goa to find his own rhythm. And recently, we saw Arjun tie the knot with his childhood friend Saaniya Chandhok on March 5, 2026, in a beautiful Mumbai ceremony. Seeing Sachin in the background—a proud, quiet father—reminded us that even for "the God of cricket," family comes first.

This duo is defined by "tough love." Yograj, who played 1 Test and 6 ODIs, was famously strict with Yuvraj, pushing him to become the warrior who would eventually win India the 2011 World Cup.
The Bond: Their relationship has been electric and complex, but watching Yograj beam as Yuvraj hit six sixes remains one of cricket’s most visceral family moments.

Vijay Manjrekar was a technician of the 1950s and 60s (55 Tests). His son, Sanjay, mirrored that technical perfection, becoming a mainstay for India in the 80s and 90s.Legacy: Today, Sanjay’s voice is as iconic as his father’s cover drive. He transitioned from the pitch to the commentary box, carrying the family's analytical DNA into a new era.

In pic: Sanjay Manjrekar

Lala Amarnath was a pioneer—India's first Test centurion. His son, Mohinder ("Jimmy"), became the hero of the 1983 World Cup. Mohinder was a top-order batter and a clever medium-pacer. He was famous for his "pocket handkerchief" and his fearless ability to take a blow to the jaw and keep batting. Interestingly, it wasn't just Mohinder; brothers Surinder and Rajinder also played cricket, making the Amarnaths a true multi-generational force.

Mohinder Amarnath Photo: PTI

This is the ultimate royal dynasty of Indian cricket. The History: Iftikhar (Pataudi Sr.) played for both England and India. His son, Mansoor (popularly called "Tiger"), became one of India’s most charismatic captain, despite losing sight in one eye. Meanwhile, Tiger's son, Saif Ali Khan, chose to be an actor over a cricketer. But their family’s sporting legacy is still legendary.

Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi's Photo: IANS

"The Wall" has a new brick. Rahul Dravid, the man who defined patience, is now watching his son, Samit, make waves. The Rise: Samit has been a standout in Karnataka’s junior circuits and recently made his mark in the U-19 and Ranji probables. Meanwhile, Dravid's younger son Anvay is showing promise as a wicketkeeper-batter.

Agency Photos