Anshuman Gaekwad, a revered name in Indian cricket, has passed away at the age of 71 following a prolonged and valiant battle with cancer. Gaekwad’s passing marks a somber moment for the cricketing world, where he was both celebrated and respected for his contributions as a player, coach, and mentor.
A Stellar Cricketing Career
Born on February 23, 1953, in Mumbai, Anshuman Gaekwad’s cricketing journey began in the mid-1970s. He made his Test debut for India in 1975 and went on to represent the national team in 40 Test matches and 15 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) until his retirement in 1987. Over the course of his career, Gaekwad amassed 1,985 runs in Tests, with his most memorable innings being a marathon 201 against Pakistan. This epic knock, which spanned 11 hours, was a testament to his endurance and skill, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
Contributions Beyond Playing
After retiring from international cricket, Gaekwad’s association with the game continued in various capacities. His expertise and leadership were sought after in coaching roles, where he served as the head coach of the Indian men’s team during two separate stints—first from 1997 to 1999 and then in 2000. Under his guidance, the Indian team reached the finals of the 2000 Champions Trophy, showcasing his coaching prowess.
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
Gaekwad also had a brief but impactful stint with the Kenyan team, further demonstrating his coaching versatility. His contributions extended to serving as a member of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), from which he resigned in 2019. In recent years, he held the position of president of the Indian Cricketers’ Association, continuing his dedication to the sport and its community
A Battle with Cancer and Financial Struggles
Despite his illustrious career and contributions, Gaekwad faced significant personal challenges in his later years. He battled cancer for over a year, a struggle that took a toll both physically and financially. The severity of his condition was highlighted by former cricketer Sandeep Patil, who revealed the extent of Gaekwad’s illness and the treatments he underwent in London.
Aware of Gaekwad’s financial difficulties, the cricketing fraternity rallied in support. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah expressed heartfelt condolences to Gaekwad’s family and assured comprehensive support. Shah had previously pledged INR 1 crore to assist Gaekwad during his illness. Furthermore, former cricketers Dilip Vengsarkar and Kapil Dev played crucial roles in organizing financial aid, with Dev leading efforts to raise funds through a collective initiative involving cricketing legends like Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri, and Kirti Azad.
Legacy and Tributes
Anshuman Gaekwad’s legacy extends beyond his statistics and records. He was a symbol of dedication, perseverance, and passion for cricket. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, have left a lasting impact on the Indian cricketing landscape. As the cricketing world reflects on his passing, tributes continue to pour in, celebrating a life devoted to cricket and honoring his memory.
In his death, Gaekwad is remembered not only for his impressive cricketing achievements but also for the resilience and spirit he displayed throughout his life. The cricketing community stands united in mourning his loss, and his contributions will be fondly remembered and cherished for years to come.