What began as a simple batting partnership on the cricket field evolved into a lifelong friendship that spanned decades. The camaraderie between Gundappa Viswanath and Anshuman Gaekwad transcended the boundaries of the cricket pitch, leaving an indelible mark on both their lives. Reflecting on their enduring bond, Viswanath shares emotional memories of his dear friend and former India teammate.
“I just got back from Aunshu’s house, and I still can’t reconcile myself to the fact that I won’t see him ever again. To visit his home when he is no longer with us, I never thought I’d see that day,” says Viswanath, his voice thick with emotion, during a phone call from Vadodara. This was not just the loss of a teammate; it was the loss of a cherished friend.
The story of their friendship began on New Year’s Day in 1975 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Viswanath was at the non-striker’s end when Gaekwad walked out to bat for the first time in a Test match against the formidable West Indies. “There was blood on the pitch,” Viswanath recalls. “What a way to welcome a youngster to Test cricket. Andy Roberts had hit our skipper MAK ‘Tiger’ Pataudi in the face, and the sight of blood was unmistakable from where Aunshu took guard. But if the young Gaekwad was perturbed, he never showed it.”
At just 21, with India reeling at 94 for 4 against a fierce West Indian attack, Gaekwad displayed incredible composure. “Once he settled into his stance, Aunshu exuded an assurance that belied his age and experience,” Viswanath continues. “I realized early on that he wouldn’t give his wicket away easily; it would have to be earned. And that’s exactly how he played his cricket for the rest of his career.”
The pair went on to add 75 runs for the fifth wicket, crucial in India’s eventual victory by 85 runs. Viswanath produced a splendid 139 in the second innings, which he counts among his best, while Gaekwad fell to spin—a rarity in those heady days of pace-dominated cricket against the West Indies.
“People always speak about Aunshu’s bravery and tenacity with the bat,” Viswanath reminisces. “He embodied those qualities so many times. While Sunil [Gavaskar] set the gold standard for opening the batting in India, Aunshu had his unique style. There wasn’t a trick he hadn’t faced down; he was immovable.”
Viswanath’s memories drift back to the infamous ‘Bloodbath of Kingston’ in 1976, a test match following India’s record-setting victory at Port of Spain. “Michael Holding led the West Indian attack. They bowled numerous bouncers and even the odd beamer,” Viswanath recalls. “We were frustrated, not with the bowlers but with the umpires who failed to intervene. Yet, through this barrage, Aunshu stood resolute. For over seven and a half hours, he faced relentless blows but never wavered. It took a vicious delivery to his left ear from Holding to finally retire him hurt. That 81 not out was worth more than a century to me; it was the epitome of courage.
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But cricket was only a part of their story. Viswanath and Gaekwad were not just teammates who faced the world’s fastest bowlers together; they were friends whose lives were deeply intertwined. “We became very close over the years,” says Viswanath, his voice cracking with emotion. “Aunshu was a true gentleman with impeccable manners. He was an excellent host, a great listener, and had a terrific sense of humor.”
Their wives, Jyoti and Kavita, also shared a close bond. “Kavita has been deeply affected by his passing,” Viswanath notes. “She considered Aunshu her older brother, her dada. Visiting their home and seeing Jyoti without Aunshu was heart-wrenching. It’s a loss that words can’t describe.”
Their last meeting was in Hyderabad in January at the annual BCCI awards function. “It was just a brief meeting,” Viswanath recalls. “Aunshu mentioned he felt a bit tired and wanted to rest. We planned to catch up the next morning, but unfortunately, that never happened. I never imagined that would be our last meeting. It’s a significant loss for the cricketing world and a deep personal loss for me. I am still coming to terms with his sudden departure.”
Tributes have poured in from around the globe, from cricketers who battled against him to those who admired him from afar. “I know Mikey [Holding] sent a heartfelt message, among many others,” says Viswanath, pride and sorrow mingling in his voice. “Bowlers from England, Australia, and Pakistan have also shared kind words. It’s a testament to the person Aunshu was. To many, he was an exceptional batter, but I was fortunate to know the man behind that title.”
Viswanath emphasizes Gaekwad’s positive outlook on life. “Aunshu was generous and always saw the bright side. He never dwelled on what could have been but accepted what life handed him gratefully. He met every challenge with a smile. He was aristocratic by birth and could hold his own with royalty or commoners alike. He was, and always will be, a very special part of my life.”
In concluding his heartfelt tribute, Viswanath says, “Rest well, my friend. Our family bond and friendship will always endure.”