Mumbai
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Anshuman Gaekwad, the former India batsman and national head coach, passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with blood cancer. Gaekwad, who was in London until recently, succumbed to health complications in Baroda after a brief stint in the ICU.
During his cricket career, Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India from 1975 to 1987. He later became a selector and then the coach of the national team.
As a batsman, Gaekwad scored 1985 runs in 70 Test innings, with a top score of 201 against Pakistan in 1982-83. He famously batted patiently for 671 minutes to achieve this milestone, making it the slowest double-century in first-class cricket at the time.
Gaekwad also made headlines by scoring 81 against a formidable West Indies team in Jamaica, facing bowlers like Michael Holding without the protection of modern helmets or bouncer restrictions. He even had to undergo surgery after being struck on the ear by a Holding bouncer that punctured his eardrum. Gaekwad concluded his playing career on a high note with a century in his final first-class match.
Gaekwad served as India’s coach on two occasions between 1997 and 2000. He guided the team through some memorable moments, including winning the Independence Cup, securing a home series victory against Australia, witnessing Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul against Pakistan, and achieving a draw in an ODI series in New Zealand.
Recently, the BCCI provided financial assistance of INR 1 crore for Gaekwad’s treatment, following appeals from former players Kapil Dev and Sandeep Patil. The cricketing fraternity mourns the loss of a respected figure in Indian cricket, and may his soul rest in peace.
