Indian cricketer Anshuman died due to cancer
Former Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad, who served the sport in various capacities after retiring as a player, Anshuman Gaekwad died on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 71. Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India.
Gaekwad, who was also a former India coach and national selector, was undergoing treatment for blood cancer at King’s College Hospital in London before returning to the country last month. The BCCI provided Rs 1 crore for Gaekwad’s treatment and members of the 1983 World Cup-winning team also contributed to help the cricketer.
Former Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad dies after long battle with cancerFormer Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad dies at the age of 71 after a long battle with cancer.
Gaekwad’s cricketing journey was marked by his tenacity and grit, often standing firm against the world’s most formidable bowlers. His memorable 201-run knock against Pakistan in 1982, despite being hit several times by hostile bowling, remains a testament to his courage and determination.
After retiring from international cricket, Anshuman Gaekwad continued to contribute to the sport as a coach and administrator. He served as the coach of the Indian national team during the late 1990s, leading the team through significant tournaments, including the 1999 World Cup. His insights and guidance were highly valued, and he played a crucial role in nurturing young talent.
Gaekwad’s battle with cancer was fought with the same determination that characterized his cricketing career. His passing is a profound loss to the cricketing community, and he will be remembered not only for his contributions on the field but also for his mentorship and leadership off
Various capacities after retiring as a player
Gaekwad, who served the sport in various capacities after retiring as a player, died on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 71. Gaikwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India.
Gaikwad, who was also a former India coach and national selector, was undergoing treatment for blood cancer at King’s College Hospital in London before returning home last month. The BCCI provided Rs 1 crore for Gaikwad’s treatment and members of the 1983 World Cup-winning team also contributed to help the cricketer.
Gaikwad has also played 205 first-class matches in a career spanning 22 years
He later took over as the coach of the Indian team. The proud moments for him came in a Test match at Sharjah in 1998 and at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi in 1999
when Anil Kumble took all 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to offer condolences
Shri Anshuman Gaekwad Ji will be remembered for his contribution to cricket. He was a talented player and a great coach. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti,” PM Modi tweeted.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah also paid tribute to the late cricketer
Shah wrote on ‘X’, “My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Shri Anshuman Gaekwad. This is a sad day for the entire cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace. A determined opener, he was known for his resolute defence with a very high back lift. Between 1974 and 1984, he was involved in a game of musical chairs with Chetan Chauhan for the role of second opener to partner Sunil Gavaskar in the Indian team.Gaikwad was the Indian coach for two separate stints between 1997 and 2000.
Held the position in Sachin Tendulkar era
The first time he held the position was in Sachin Tendulkar’s era where he oversaw a phase of transition, and later returned in the midst of the match-fixing episode when Kapil Dev resigned for a while while the appointment of a permanent coach was being finalised.
An affable personality, he scored a double century against Imran Khan’s Pakistan, the slowest double century of that time. The match was played in Jalandhar. A bespectacled opener, Gaikwad’s finest hour came in the 1976 series at Sabina Park in Jamaica facing young Michael Holding and Wayne Daniel.
Holding’s beamer hit his ear and as he lay soaked in blood, home team supporters were shouting from the tree tops “Usse maar do maan usse maar do Mickey”, which Gavaskar called barbaric. He later coached the Indian team between 1998 and 1999 and Kumble’s 10 wickets at Kotla were taken while he was in charge of the team.
A young Harbhajan Singh made his Test debut under him and always spoke of ‘Angshu Sir’ with reverence for the way he conducted himself. He also served as a national selector, headed the Baroda Cricket Association and just before falling ill, he was a member of the BCCI’s apex council as the ICA representative.
Conclusion
He was reappointed coach after Kapil Dev stepped down but his tenure was short lived as the BCCI appointed John Wright.
In recognition of his contribution to Indian cricket, Gaekwad was honoured with the prestigious CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award by the BCCI in June 2018, the highest honour given to a former player.
