Bangalore, Aug 1 (UNI) Former Test Cricketer and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Honorary Secretary Brijesh and Legendary Spinner Erapally Prasanna today condoled the death of Ashok Vinoo Mankad who passed away in Mumbai last night.
Recalling his 14-years of playing with Mankad, Patel said ''he (Ashok Mankad) was a great batsman and we learned quite a lot from his captaincy.
''He was an excellent batsman, unfortunately he was forced to open the innings for the country in some matches, but he continued to be a middle order batsman,'' he added.
Prasanna also expressed shock over Ashok Mankad's passing away saying ''he was a close associate of him.'' ''We lost a one of the cricketing links. I always felt he had tremendous knowledge about cricket and belonged to one of those whose services were not utilised fully.
''It is a great loss to cricket as a whole and to me personally,'' he added.
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