Anshuman Gaekwad, a former India batter and national head coach, died at the age of 71 after a protracted battle with blood cancer. Gaekwad, who had been in London till last month, died in Baroda after a brief stay in the ICU due to a variety of health conditions.
From 1975 to 1987, Gaekwad participated in 40 Test matches and 15 One-Day Internationals for India. He then went on to serve as a selector and eventually the team’s coach.
Image Source: HT
Gaekwad built up 1985 runs in 70 Test innings, with his top score of 201 against Pakistan in 1982-83, when he patiently batted for 671 minutes – the slowest double-century in first-class cricket at the time.
He also famously made 81 in Jamaica against a West Indies side boasting the likes of Michael Holding in its attack – a feat rendered doubly impressive by the fact that it came in an era when there were neither helmets nor restrictions on bouncers. Gaekwad had to have an operation after he was stung on the ear by a Holding bouncer that punctured his eardrum. It’s an incident he elaborated in great detail in his autobiography ‘Guts Amid Bloodbath’ which was launched in May 2023.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Aunshuman Gaekwad. Heartbreaking for the entire cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace🙏
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 31, 2024
Between 1997 and 2000, Gaekwad served as India’s coach twice. First appointed during the Sachin Tendulkar era, he supervised a period of transition. Later, he returned for a brief amount of time during the match-fixing controversy, following Kapil Dev’s departure, while a permanent replacement was being chosen.
The Independence Cup victory, a 2-1 home series victory over Australia, Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul against Pakistan to tie the Test series at home, and a tied ODI series in New Zealand were among India’s high highlights during his term. At the behest of the then-BCCI president AC Muthiah, he returned to lead them to the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy final, when they were defeated by New Zealand in the final.
Earlier this month, the BCCI approved INR 1 million for Gaekwad’s treatment after Kapil and Sandeep Patil requested the board to support him.
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Source: espncricinfo
