What began as a simple batting partnership on the cricket field steadily evolved into an enduring friendship that stood the test of time. Gundappa Viswanath and Anshuman Gaekwad were not merely long-serving teammates for the Indian cricket team, but also shared a profound bond that transcended the sport itself.
“I just returned from Anshu’s house, and I still can’t come to terms with the fact that he’s no longer among us. Visiting his home without him there, it’s something I never thought I’d have to face,” Viswanath’s voice crackled with raw emotion as he spoke from Vadodara over the phone.
Their cherished journey began on New Year’s Day in 1975, when ‘Vishy’ was at the non-striker’s end and Gaekwad came out to bat for India against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens. “There was blood on the pitch,” Viswanath narrated to Cricbuzz. “What a way to welcome a youngster to Test cricket. The blood, visible from where he took guard, was unnerving. But if Anshu was affected by its sight, he showed no signs of it.”
The blood on the pitch was due to Andy Roberts, who had hit skipper MAK ‘Tiger’ Pataudi on the face, forcing him to retire hurt. With India struggling at 94 for 4 against a fiery West Indies attack, Gaekwad, only 21 at the time, took his stance. “He must have been tense and nervous, but once he settled into his stance, he looked assured at the crease. I soon realized that Anshu wouldn’t easily give away his wicket; it would have to be earned. And that’s how he played for the rest of his career,” Viswanath recalled.
The duo combined for a 75-run partnership for the fifth wicket, crucial to India’s 85-run victory. Viswanath himself scored a magnificent 139 in the second innings, which he considers one of his best knocks, while Gaekwad fell to spin for the second time in the match—a rarity against the formidable West Indies.
“Everyone has spoken about how courageous Anshu was with the bat,” Viswanath said reminiscing about his friend. “I have seen his gutsiness from close quarters multiple times. Sunil (Gavaskar) was unmatched when it came to opening for India, but Anshu was something else. You could try every trick, and he still wouldn’t budge.”
The West Indies employed all their tricks, and then some, particularly during the infamous ‘Bloodbath of Kingston’ in 1976. Just one Test after India’s record-breaking victory at Port of Spain, they faced an onslaught led by Michael Holding. “They bowled numerous bouncers and even more than the occasional beamer,” Viswanath recounted.
Anger simmered not at the bowlers but the umpires for not intervening. “Through that barrage, Anshu batted like a champion for over seven and a half hours. He took blows all over his body but never stepped down or flinched.
. He stood tall and proud, never showing the pain he felt. Even after a blow to his left ear from a Holding lifter forced him to leave the field, he wasn’t defeated. That unbeaten 81 was worth more than a century. I haven’t seen a more courageous knock in my entire cricketing career,” Viswanath said with deep respect.
Cricket may have been their common thread, but Vishy and Anshu’s relationship was much more profound. “We got really close,” Viswanath said, his voice heavy with emotion. “He was a gentleman, had excellent manners, was a great host, and had a terrific sense of humor.”
Their families bonded too, particularly their wives, Jyoti and Kavita. “Kavita took Anshu as her dada (older brother). Visiting their home and seeing Jyoti without her best mate Anshu was heart-wrenching,” Viswanath shared.
Their last meeting was brief, during the annual BCCI awards function in Hyderabad in January. “Anshu seemed tired and wanted to rest. We had planned to catch up the following day, but it didn’t happen. I never imagined he would leave us so soon. It’s a significant loss not just to the cricketing world but personally for me. I’m still struggling to come to terms with his sudden departure,” Viswanath admitted.
The past few days have seen a plethora of heartfelt messages and tributes from across the globe, even from the bowlers Gaekwad faced with his characteristic determination.
“Mikey (Michael Holding) sent a heartfelt message, among others,” Viswanath said, the pride in his voice unmistakable. Gaekwad’s influence and warmth touched many lives, proving he was not just a cricketer but a remarkable human being. “The world knows of Anshuman Gaekwad, the batter. I feel privileged to have known him as a person. He was warm, generous, eternally positive, and grateful for everything life gave him, facing every challenge with a smile. Born to cricket and for cricket, his tactical and man-management skills were top-notch, but he could fit into any setting, whether with royalty or us common folk. He was, and always will be, a special part of my life.
“Rest well, my friend. Be assured that the family bond and friendship we share will continue forever.”