Bhubaneswar: BJD President Naveen Patnaik has expressed his deep sorrow over the demise of legendary cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad. He will be remembered for his immense contribution to Indian cricket as a gritty cricketer and an inspiring coach. My condolences to his fans and family during the hour of grief”, Naveen wrote on his ‘X’ handle.
Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary cricketer #AnshumanGaekwad. He will be remembered for his immense contribution to Indian cricket as a gritty cricketer and an inspiring coach. My condolences to his fans and family during the hour of grief.
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 1, 2024
A stalwart of Indian cricket, Gaekwad’s international career spanned over a decade, featuring in 40 Test matches and 15 ODIs. His resilience was most notably displayed during his gutsy 81 in Jamaica in 1976, where he faced a hostile West Indies pace attack on a treacherous pitch. Another highlight of his career was his marathon 201 against Pakistan in Jalandhar in 1983, where he batted for an incredible 671 minutes.
In domestic cricket, Gaekwad’s record was equally impressive. He amassed over 12,000 runs in more than 200 first-class matches, including 34 centuries and 47 fifties. His contributions to Indian cricket extended beyond his playing days, as he took on various roles, including head coach of the national team, selector, and administrator.
Appointed as India’s head coach in 1997, Gaekwad led the team through a period of significant achievements. Under his guidance, India won a memorable tri-nation tournament in Sharjah in 1998 and witnessed Anil Kumble’s historic 10-wicket haul against Pakistan in New Delhi in 1999. His strategic insight and calm demeanor earned him immense respect from players and peers alike.
Gaekwad’s service to Indian cricket continued as he assumed various administrative roles, including membership in the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee and the Apex Council, as well as the presidency of the Indian Cricketers’ Association. He also contributed as a commentator and TV expert.
In recognition of his five-decade-long association with cricket, the BCCI honoured Gaekwad with the prestigious C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Gaekwad succumbed to cancer in Vadodara on Wednesday aged 71.
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