Former Indian Cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad Passes Away

Former Indian cricketer and coach Anshuman Gaekwad passed away on July 31 at the Bhailal Amin General Hospital in Vadodara, succumbing to an extended battle with blood cancer. He was 71 years old. In recent months, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had stepped in to assist Gaekwad financially, providing INR 1 crore to support his medical treatment. This support came after it became clear that Gaekwad was facing significant financial challenges in covering his treatment expenses in London. Following this aid, he was repatriated to India, where he continued his treatment in Vadodara.

Gaekwad was celebrated for his resilience and courage, especially against fast bowlers. His unwavering determination in the face of formidable pace attacks was a hallmark of his career. As a top-order batter, Gaekwad’s most notable achievement was his innings of 201 against Pakistan, a landmark performance that spanned over 11 hours. This innings demonstrated his exceptional concentration and patience, solidifying his place in Indian cricket history. Gaekwad’s contributions as a cricketer and coach left an indelible mark on the sport. His legacy of grit and perseverance will be remembered fondly by cricket enthusiasts and players alike.

Anshuman Gaekwad made significant contributions to Indian cricket, representing the country in 40 Test matches. Over his Test career, he scored two centuries and ten half-centuries, with a batting average of 30.07. His performance in First-Class cricket was even more remarkable, where he accumulated over 12,000 runs at an average exceeding 40. His First-Class career also featured 34 centuries, 47 fifties, and 160 catches, highlighting his consistency and skill on the field.

After retiring from all forms of cricket in 1992, Gaekwad shifted to coaching, where he took on the role of head coach for the Indian men’s national team from 1997 to 1999. Despite his efforts, this period was challenging for the team, and it did not result in significant successes. The national team's underwhelming performance led to Gaekwad's resignation, and he was succeeded by Kapil Dev, the celebrated captain of the 1983 World Cup-winning team. Gaekwad's legacy in cricket is marked by his solid performances as a player and his subsequent role as a coach. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, have left an enduring impact on Indian cricket.

In addition to his notable career with Indian cricket, Anshuman Gaekwad also had a brief stint with the Kenyan men’s national team. In 2009, he was offered a full-time coaching position with the Kenyan team, but he chose to decline the offer due to personal reasons. His decision reflected his commitment to his personal and professional priorities.

Gaekwad’s contributions to cricket were widely recognized, culminating in the prestigious Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2018. This honor acknowledged his significant impact on the sport, celebrating his achievements both as a player and a coach. The award served as a testament to his enduring legacy in Indian cricket and his contributions to the development of the game on a broader scale.