(Image source from: x.com/gaeky)
Anshuman Gaekwad, a former Indian cricketer who played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs, passed away at the age of 71 after battling cancer. Throughout his career, Gaekwad also served as a coach and national selector for the Indian team. He received treatment for blood cancer in London and was supported by the BCCI and his fellow 1983 World Cup-winning teammates. Gaekwad's cricket legacy includes 205 first-class matches, followed by a coaching stint with the Indian team. Noteworthy highlights of his career include memorable moments at Sharjah in 1998 and at Ferozeshah Kotla, Delhi, when Anil Kumble took all 10 wickets in a Test match against Pakistan in 1999. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt condolences on the news, recognizing Gaekwad's cricket contributions and his impact as a skilled player and coach.
Shri Anshuman Gaekwad Ji will be remembered for his contribution to cricket. He was a gifted player and an outstanding coach. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 31, 2024
Jay Shah, the secretary of BCCI, expressed his deep sorrow upon the passing of cricketer Mr. Aunshuman Gaekwad. He described the loss as heart-wrenching for the entire cricket community. Gaekwad was recognized for his resolute defense as an opener, with a distinctive high back swing. During his career from 1974 to 1984, he shared the role of second opener with Chetan Chauhan alongside Sunil Gavaskar. Gaekwad's match against Imran Khan's Pakistan in Jalandhar showcased his strength where he scored a double century, regarded among the slowest at that time. In 1976, while playing against Michael Holding and Wayne Daniel in Jamaica, Gaekwad faced a severe injury when Holding’s beamer struck him on the ear. The spectators' reactions led Gavaskar to label the incident as barbarism. Gaekwad served as India's coach from 1998 to 1999, witnessing Kumble's monumental 10-wicket haul at Kotla.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Aunshuman Gaekwad. Heartbreaking for the entire cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 31, 2024
He made his Test debut when 'Angshu sir' was in charge, and always admired his conduct. He later became a national selector, led the Baroda Cricket Association, and served as a BCCI Apex Council member representing the ICA, before falling ill. Cricket greats like Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, former India coach Ravi Shastri, Clive Lloyd, Andy Roberts, Farokh Engineer, former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar, BCCI president Roger Binny, Mohinder Amarnath, Sandeep Patil, Karsan Ghavri, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, and actor Nana Patekar offered uplifting messages to support Gaekwad during his final moments.
