Former Indian Cricketer and Coach Anshuman Gaekwad Passes Away

On July 31, 2024, the cricket world lost one of its most respected figures with the death of Anshuman Gaekwad at the age of 71. Gaekwad, a former Indian cricketer and coach, succumbed to blood cancer after a prolonged battle with the disease. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian cricket, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades as a player, coach, and administrator.

A Life Dedicated to Cricket

Final Days and Support

Gaekwad’s final months were marked by his determination to fight against blood cancer. He had been undergoing treatment at King’s College London, England, before returning to his hometown of Vadodara, Gujarat. In a show of support for the cricketing great, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had provided financial assistance of Rs 1 crore for his treatment in London, underlining the high regard in which he was held within the cricketing fraternity.

Anshuman Gaekwad: The Player

A Career of Resilience and Determination

Gaekwad’s playing career was characterized by his unwavering determination and defensive prowess at the crease. His journey in international cricket spanned over a decade, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Key Milestones:

• Test Debut: Against West Indies at Eden Garden, Kolkata, in 1974
• ODI Debut: In the first Cricket World Cup against England in 1975
• Last Test: Against England at Eden Garden, Kolkata, in 1984-85
• Career Span: 40 Tests and 15 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) from 1975 to 1987

Notable Achievements:

• Scored 1985 runs in Test cricket
• Highest score of 201 against Pakistan at Jalandhar in 1982-83
• Set a record for the slowest double-hundred in Test cricket, taking 671 minutes
• Accumulated 269 runs in ODIs

Gaekwad was renowned for his defensive batting style, often providing stability to the Indian batting lineup in challenging conditions.

Beyond the Boundary: Coach and Administrator

Shaping Indian Cricket Off the Field

After hanging up his boots as a player, Gaekwad continued to contribute significantly to Indian cricket in various roles.

Coaching Career:

• Served as coach of the Indian men’s cricket team in two stints between 1997 and 2000
• Oversaw Anil Kumble’s historic 10-wicket haul in a single innings against Pakistan at Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi on February 7, 1999

Administrative Roles:

• National selector for the Indian cricket team
• President of the Baroda Cricket Association
• Member of the BCCI Apex Council
• ICA representative

His multifaceted involvement in cricket post-retirement showcased his deep understanding of the game and his commitment to its development in India.

Honors and Legacy

Recognition of a Lifetime’s Contribution

Gaekwad’s contributions to Indian cricket were formally recognized with several honors:

• Awarded the prestigious C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award by the BCCI in 2018, the highest honor bestowed upon former Indian cricketers
• Published his autobiography “Guts Amid Bloodbath” in 2023, providing insights into his cricketing journey and experiences.