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New Delhi: Anshuman Gaekwad, a former Indian cricketer who served the sport in various roles post-retirement, passed away on Wednesday following a prolonged battle with cancer, aged 71.
Gaekwad, who played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India, also held positions as India’s coach and national selector. He was receiving treatment for blood cancer at King’s College Hospital in London before he returned to India last month.
The BCCI contributed Rs 1 crore towards Gaekwad’s treatment, and the 1983 World Cup-winning team members also extended their support. Gaekwad’s first-class career included 205 matches over 22 years.
He later became the coach of the Indian team, leading them to memorable victories in Sharjah in 1998 and at the Ferozeshah Kotla in Delhi where Anil Kumble famously took all 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan in 1999.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first to express his condolences, remembering Gaekwad for his significant contributions to cricket as a talented player and remarkable coach. BCCI secretary Jay Shah also offered his heartfelt condolences to Gaekwad’s family and friends, acknowledging the loss felt across the cricket community.
Known for his tenacious batting and high backlift, Gaekwad was a resilient opening batsman. From 1974 to 1984, he and Chetan Chauhan alternated as the second opener alongside Sunil Gavaskar for the Indian team.
Gaekwad’s double century against Imran Khan’s Pakistan in Jalandhar was notably one of the slowest double tons of that era. His most notable performance came against a formidable West Indies pace attack, including Michael Holding and Wayne Daniel, at Sabina Park in Jamaica during the 1976 series.
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