Former Indian cricketer and two-time national coach Anshuman Gaekwad has passed away at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer, cricket authorities announced Thursday. Gaekwad succumbed to various health complications in his hometown of Baroda on Wednesday.
Gaekwad, a stalwart of Indian cricket, played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India before transitioning to roles as a selector and coach for the national team. During his Test career, he amassed 1,985 runs in 70 innings, with a memorable highest score of 201 against Pakistan in the 1982-83 series.
The cricketing community mourned the loss, with Jai Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), expressing his condolences. “My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Anshuman Gaekwad. Heartbreaking for the entire cricket fraternity,” Shah said in a social media post.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his sorrow over Gaekwad’s passing. “He was a gifted player and an outstanding coach. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers,” Modi wrote on X.
Gaekwad was renowned for his fearless approach against the formidable West Indies fast bowlers during an era devoid of helmets and restrictions on bouncers. His resilience was epitomized when he had to undergo surgery after being struck on the ear by a Michael Holding bouncer, which punctured his eardrum.
Gaekwad’s legacy in Indian cricket is marked by his courage on the field and his contributions off it, shaping the careers of many young cricketers through his coaching and selection roles. His passing is a significant loss to the cricketing world.
01st Aug 2024
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