Legendary Indian Cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad Passes Away at 71: A Tribute to His Courage and Contribution
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/1st August 2024
Anshuman Gaekwad, the former Indian opening batsman and ex-Team India coach, has passed away at the age of 71 in Vadodara. Gaekwad’s death on Wednesday marks a profound loss for the cricketing world, as he was not only a revered player but also a significant figure in Indian cricket administration.
Gaekwad, who had a storied career spanning over four decades, had been battling blood cancer and recently returned from treatment in London. His struggle with the illness saw many of his former colleagues and cricketing associates rallying to offer support, both financially and emotionally. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stepped in, with Secretary Jay Shah announcing a donation of Rs 1 crore for Gaekwad’s treatment.
Former India wicketkeeper Kiran More, who had known Gaekwad for many years, expressed his grief and admiration for the late cricketer. More recalled Gaekwad’s passion for the game, his high standards, and his role as a mentor during the early stages of his own career. He described Gaekwad as a “great taskmaster” who had an exceptional vision for cricket and was a “gem of a person.”
Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s greatest batting legends, paid a heartfelt tribute to Gaekwad, recalling his bravery and commitment on the field. Gavaskar noted that Gaekwad, along with other cricketers like Eknath Solkar and Mohinder Amarnath, embodied the fighting spirit of Indian cricket. Gaekwad’s valiant innings against the West Indies pace attack in Kingston in 1975-76 was highlighted as a testament to his courage and resilience.
In his international career, Gaekwad played 40 Test matches and 15 One Day Internationals (ODIs), making a significant impact with his gritty performances. His Test career included a memorable double century against Pakistan in 1983, an innings noted for its sheer endurance. Gaekwad’s knock, which lasted 671 minutes, was the slowest double century in first-class cricket at that time. His fighting spirit was also evident in his innings of 81 against the formidable West Indian pace attack in Jamaica, a performance that left a lasting impression on the cricketing fraternity.
Beyond his playing days, Gaekwad made substantial contributions as a coach. His tenure as the head coach of Team India during the late 1990s was marked by several notable achievements, including a Test series victory against Australia and triumphs in the Sharjah and Independence Cup tournaments. His leadership saw India achieve memorable victories, such as Anil Kumble’s historic 10-wicket haul against Pakistan and Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic ‘Desert Storm’ innings.
Gaekwad’s impact on Indian cricket extended beyond his on-field performances and coaching roles. His dedication to the sport, both as a player and an administrator, has left an indelible mark on the game. As the cricketing community mourns his loss, Gaekwad’s legacy as a courageous cricketer and a respected coach will continue to inspire future generations.
The cricketing world bids farewell to Anshuman Gaekwad, a true legend whose contributions to the sport will be remembered with great respect and admiration. His passing is a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the game and the lasting legacy they leave behind.
