What began as a professional batting partnership blossomed into a cherished friendship that transcended the cricket field. Gundappa Viswanath and Anshuman Gaekwad were not just teammates in the Indian cricket team; they shared a deep, affectionate bond that lasted beyond their playing years.
“I just returned from Aunshu’s house, and I still can’t process the fact that I won’t see him ever again. Visiting his home without him being there was something I never imagined I’d have to face,” said Viswanath, his voice laden with emotion as he spoke through a clear telephone line from Vadodara.
The friendship between ‘Vishy’ and Gaekwad began during a memorable moment in cricket history. Viswanath was present at the non-striker’s end when Gaekwad made his Test debut against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens on New Year’s Day in 1975. “There was blood on the pitch,” recalled Viswanath. “It was Andy Roberts who had struck our skipper MAK ‘Tiger’ Pataudi, causing him to leave the field injured. India was 94 for 4 at that moment, and the West Indies bowlers were relentless. Aunshu, just 21, stepped in all nerves and apprehension, yet once he took his stance, he exuded an aura of assurance. From that very moment, I knew Aunshu wouldn’t be giving his wicket away easily. It had to be earned.”
Together, Viswanath and Gaekwad stitched a crucial 75-run partnership for the fifth wicket, a pivotal contribution to India’s eventual 85-run victory. Viswanath himself played a memorable knock, scoring 139 in the second innings, which he considers one of his best. Gaekwad’s resilience showed even though he fell to spin in both innings—a rare sight during those matches against the formidable West Indies lineup.
“Everyone talks about how brave and gritty Aunshu was with the bat,” Viswanath reflected on his friend, who recently passed away. “I witnessed those qualities up close on numerous occasions. Opening the innings for India, Sunil [Gavaskar] was undoubtedly unparalleled. But Aunshu was something special. You could try every strategy, yet he would remain unmoved.”
There were moments in cricket that encapsulated Gaekwad’s mettle, such as the ‘Bloodbath of Kingston’ in 1976. Following India’s historic win, chasing a then-record 406 for 4 at Port of Spain, they faced a fierce West Indies bowling attack led by Michael Holding. Recalling the harrowing experience, Viswanath said, “Holding and his teammates bowled not only many bouncers per over but also frequent beamers. We were more frustrated with the umpires for not intervening than with the bowlers. Aunshu, undeterred by the barrage of brutal deliveries, stood his ground for over seven and a half hours. He bore blows all over his body without flinching. Ultimately, an errant lifter from Holding struck him on the left ear, forcing him to retire hurt.
. Despite this, he departed with an unbeaten 81—a knock richer in courage than most centuries I’ve seen in my entire cricketing career.”
Beyond the field, Vishy and Aunshu shared an extraordinary camaraderie. “We got truly close,” Viswanath says, his voice tinged with deep emotion. “Aunshu was an absolute gentleman, with impeccable manners and a warm demeanor. He was a gracious host and a splendid listener, with an exceptional sense of humor.”
Their families, too, shared strong ties. “Our wives, Jyoti and Kavita, got along spectacularly. Kavita has never been this affected by a loss. She thought of Aunshu as her dada (older brother). Visiting their home and seeing Jyoti without Aunshu by her side is heartrending and beyond words.”
Their last meeting was in Hyderabad at the annual BCCI awards function. “It was a brief encounter,” Viswanath recalls. “Aunshu mentioned feeling a bit weary and wanted to rest. We had planned to catch up the next morning, but that, sadly, never happened. I never imagined he would leave us so suddenly. It’s an immense loss to the cricketing world and a profound personal loss for me. I still can’t come to terms with his abrupt departure.”
In the wake of Gaekwad’s passing, tributes and messages of condolences have flowed from around the globe, including from bowlers he faced. “Messages from Mikey [Holding] and many others have poured in,” said Viswanath. “It’s evident how much my great friend touched lives. While the world remembers Anshuman Gaekwad, the cricketer, I feel truly blessed to have known the man behind the legend.”
Viswanath describes Aunshu as a person who was gracious, generous, perpetually positive, and always living in the moment. He emphasized that Gaekwad was born for cricket, but his talents extended far beyond. “Aunshu could meld into any social setting effortlessly, whether in the company of royalty or among friends. An aristocrat by birth, he remained humble and grounded—a remarkable human being,” he shared.
“Rest well, my friend,” concluded Viswanath. “The bond we shared will endure through our families and beyond.”