Former India Cricketer and Coach Anshuman Gaekwad Dies After Cancer Battle at 71

Former India cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad, who served the game in various roles after retiring as a player, passed away on Wednesday following a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 71 years old. Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India. He was undergoing treatment for blood cancer at Kings College Hospital in London before returning to India last month.

Gaekwad's cricket career also included playing 205 first-class matches over 22 years. He later became the coach of the Indian team, with notable moments in Sharjah in 1998 and during a Test match at Ferozeshah Kotla in Delhi when Anil Kumble took all 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan in 1999.

Support from Cricket Community

The BCCI contributed Rs 1 crore towards Gaekwad's treatment, and members of the 1983 World Cup-winning team also assisted him. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to offer his condolences. "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," PM Modi tweeted.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah also paid tribute to the late cricketer. "My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Aunshuman Gaekwad. Heartbreaking for the entire cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace," Shah wrote on X.

Gaekwad's Playing Style and Achievements

A gritty opening batter, Gaekwad was known for his dogged defence with a very high back lift. Between 1974 and 1984, he competed with Chetan Chauhan for the role of second opener to partner Sunil Gavaskar in the Indian team. His double hundred against Imran Khan's Pakistan at Jalandhar was one of the slowest double tons of that era.

Gaekwad's finest hour came while facing a young Michael Holding and Wayne Daniel at Sabina Park in Jamaica during the 1976 series. Holding's beamer hit him on the ear, causing him to bleed, while home team supporters shouted from tree tops, "Kill him Maaan..Kill him Mikey," which Sunil Gavaskar termed as barbarism.

Coaching Career and Legacy

Gaekwad served as the coach of the Indian team between 1998 and 1999, during which Anil Kumble's historic 10-for at Kotla occurred under his guidance. Young Harbhajan Singh made his Test debut under Gaekwad and always spoke highly of "Angshu sir" for his dignified conduct.

In addition to coaching, Gaekwad also served as a national selector, headed the Baroda Cricket Association, and was a BCCI Apex Council member as an ICA representative before falling ill.

Tributes from Cricket Legends

Cricket legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, Clive Lloyd, Andy Roberts, Farokh Engineer, Dilip Vengsarkar, BCCI president Roger Binny, Mohinder Amarnath, Sandeep Patil, Karsan Ghavri, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, and actor Nana Patekar shared encouraging words to cheer up Gaekwad before he passed away.

Anshuman Gaekwad will be remembered for his significant contributions both on and off the field. His legacy as a player, coach, and mentor will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.