What began as an unassuming batting partnership evolved over the years into a friendship for the ages. This is the story of Gundappa Viswanath and Anshuman Gaekwad, two long-time teammates who shared more than just a common love for cricket; they shared a bond that transcended the boundaries of the sport.
“I just returned from Aunshu’s house, and it’s still hard to believe that I won’t see him ever again. Going to his home, knowing he is no longer with us, is a reality I never thought I’d confront,” said Viswanath, his voice laden with emotion as he spoke over the telephone from Vadodara.
Viswanath, fondly known as ‘Vishy,’ was at the non-striker’s end when Gaekwad came out to bat for the first time in Test cricket. It was New Year’s Day, 1975, at Eden Gardens against the formidable West Indies. “There was blood on the pitch,” Viswanath recounts to Cricbuzz. “Andy Roberts had struck MAK ‘Tiger’ Pataudi on the face, leaving a visible pool of blood. It was a brutal initiation for a newcomer like Aunshu, but he showed no signs of being fazed by it.”
India was in a precarious position at 94 for 4 against a ferocious West Indian attack that included the likes of Roberts, Bernard Julien, and Vanburn Holder. Gaekwad, just 21 at the time, stepped up to the challenge with remarkable composure. “Within no time, I knew that Aunshu wouldn’t give his wicket away; it had to be earned. And that’s how he played his cricket throughout his career,” said Viswanath.
The duo added a crucial 75 runs for the fifth wicket, setting the stage for India’s eventual 85-run victory. Viswanath went on to score a stunning 139 in the second innings, a performance he regards as among his best. Meanwhile, Gaekwad succumbed to spin both times, a rarity in those times when playing against the West Indies.
“Everyone has spoken about how courageous and gutsy Aunshu was,” Viswanath remembers of his former teammate who passed away last week. “Opening the batting for India was never an easy task, but Aunshu stood shoulder to shoulder with the best, including Sunil [Gavaskar]. He was a rock; no bowler could unsettle him.”
The West Indies did indeed try every trick at their disposal, especially during the infamous ‘Bloodbath of Kingston’ in 1976, shortly after India’s record-breaking win in Port of Spain. “Michael Holding led the onslaught with relentless bouncers and beamers. The umpires were ineffective, and we were left helpless,” Viswanath recalls. “But Aunshu batted like a champion through more than seven and a half hours, taking blows but never faltering. He was only forced to retire hurt after a nasty hit to his ear from Holding.
. That 81 not out he scored was worth far more than a century; I have never seen such courage on a cricket field.”
Beyond the cricketing arena, the friendship between Viswanath and Gaekwad flourished. “We became very close, almost like family,” Vishwanath says. “He was a gentleman in every respect, a gracious host, a great listener, and a man with a terrific sense of humor.”
The camaraderie extended to their families as well, particularly between their wives, Jyoti and Kavita. “Kavita considered Aunshu her dada (older brother). Seeing Jyoti without Aunshu beside her was a heart-wrenching experience,” Viswanath added.
The last time they met was during the annual BCCI awards function in Hyderabad in January. “It was just a brief meeting. Aunshu said he was a bit tired and wanted to rest. We planned to catch up the next morning, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen. I never thought he would leave us so soon. It’s a tremendous loss to the cricket fraternity and a deeply personal one for me,” he admitted.
Messages of condolence and tribute have been pouring in from around the globe, including from bowlers against whom Gaekwad stood firm with his broad blade and large heart. “I know there was a heartfelt message from Mikey [Holding], among others,” said Viswanath, clearly proud of how much his friend had touched lives. “Bowlers from England, Australia, Pakistan, all remembered him fondly. It speaks volumes about the person he was.”
Viswanath feels fortunate to have known both aspects of Gaekwad—the cricketer and the human being. “He was warm, generous, and always saw the positive side of things. He faced every adversity with a smile and was eternally grateful for whatever life gave him. He wasn’t just about cricket; he could fit seamlessly into any setting, be it with royalty or common folk. He was, and will always remain, a special part of my life.”
In an emotional conclusion, Viswanath added, “Rest well, my friend, and be assured that the family bond and friendship we share will always continue.”