Gujral even named a bar in his CBD restaurant after Steve Waugh, who has celebrated birthdays at the highly rated eatery.

“He was an extremely generous guy,” Waugh told the Herald. “I went to his original restaurant in Strathfield many years ago. He became a really good friend from that moment. He always refused to take any money when he hosted. Just a very generous person who loves cricket. He was really well-loved in the cricket community.

Surjit Gujral at his restaurant.

Surjit Gujral at his restaurant.

“Tandoori fish was my favourite in Annandale. It was beautiful. A lot of touring Indian [and Pakistan] sides would go to his restaurant and he used to cater for them. He knew most of the [Australian] team and most had been there at some stage. It’s another sad loss for the game.”

Gujral would also provide meals for touring Test teams but in late 1999, the entire Indian squad were brought along by former Australian captain and coach Bob Simpson during a four-day match against NSW. Cricketing royalty walked in the door and loved every minute.

“Sachin [Tendulkar] said he will be back with his wife and children when he’s next in town,” Gujral was quoted as saying at the time in the Herald. “He loves my tandoori prawns. Best he has ever had, he says.”

Rasan adds: “There was a big photo with the headline ‘Sachin Tandoori’ in the paper because Sachin went ballistic over the prawns dad made him.”

Esteemed batting coach and close friend Neil D’Costa had an Indian Bollywood party put on for him by Gujral at his city restaurant.

In attendance were Anthony Mundine, Sonny Bill Williams, Phillip Hughes and Mitchell Starc.

“It was a cracking party,” D’Costa said. “Our community deserves to know about his contributions to cricket. He always presented himself so impeccably. He was a very proud Australian and a very proud Indian. To serve you food you were going to enjoy was his No.1 priority.

“Bishen Bedi would stay at his house. So too Wasim Akram. Indian, Sri Lankan and Pakistani Test cricketers, he entertained them all. They always went to his restaurant to eat.”

The Sydney University Cricket Club posted a tribute on its website on Friday.

“Surjit was a generous host, a benefactor and passionate about the game. He was a man who will be greatly missed by this club and the broader SUCC community.”

Rasan says he hopes he can continue his father’s legacy.

“I’m scared of how I’m going to fill those big shoes,” Rasan said. “I’ve been doing it with him for 20 years. I promise I’ll do my best.”

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