On a somber Wednesday, July 31, the cricketing community was shaken with the news of the passing of former India batter and coach Anshuman Gaekwad. Gaekwad breathed his last at Bhailal Amin General Hospital in Vadodara after a long and brave battle with blood cancer. He was 71 years old.
Anshuman Gaekwad’s health struggles had come to light recently, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to step in. A humanitarian gesture from the BCCI saw the release of INR 1 crore to aid in covering his mounting medical expenses. His treatment had initially commenced in London but was later shifted to Vadodara, where he continued to fight the illness amidst financial and emotional strain on his family.
Gaekwad’s contributions to Indian cricket were substantial. As a player, he donned the national colors in 40 Test matches, scoring two centuries and ten fifties at a career average of 32. His performance in the domestic circuit was even more commendable. Over his illustrious First-class career, he amassed over 12,000 runs with an average surpassing 40, including 34 centuries and 47 fifties.
Known for his fortitude and resolute mindset, Gaekwad carved a niche for himself in the annals of Indian cricket as a steadfast middle-order batter. His ability to stand tall against fearsome pacers earned him respect and admiration from peers and fans alike. One of his most iconic performances was his career-best innings of 201 against Pakistan. That marathon knock, which saw him steadfast at the crease for over 11 hours, was a testament to his incredible concentration and patience.
After bidding adieu to his playing career in 1982, Gaekwad transitioned to coaching, a role in which he continued to impact Indian cricket significantly. He took the helm of the men’s national team as head coach between 1997 and 1999. Although his tenure coincided with a period of mixed success for the team, his contributions laid the groundwork for future successes. After stepping down, Kapil Dev succeeded him as the team’s coach.
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Gaekwad’s coaching journey didn’t end there. He went on to have a brief stint with the Kenyan men’s national team. Despite being offered a full-time role in 2009, he chose to decline due to personal reasons, reflecting his strong sense of integrity and commitment to his personal life.
His dedication and service to the sport were recognized in 2018 when the BCCI honored him with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious accolade was a fitting tribute to a man whose life was synonymous with cricketing excellence and unwavering dedication.
The cricket world is united in grief over Gaekwad’s passing. Former players, colleagues, and fans have taken to social media and other platforms to express their sorrow and pay homage to a remarkable cricketer and an inspiring human being. For many, Gaekwad epitomized the spirit of cricket — one of resilience, determination, and an unyielding love for the game.
His legacy will be remembered not just through his statistics, but also through the countless lives he touched and the young talents he mentored. His cricketing journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, demonstrating that success in the sport requires not just skill, but also grit and determination.
Even in his final days, Gaekwad’s fight against cancer exhibited the same perseverance that characterized his approach on the cricket field. As the cricketing community comes to terms with this significant loss, his legacy as a player, coach, and mentor continues to shine brightly.
The loss of Anshuman Gaekwad is immeasurable, but so too is the impact he had on the sport he loved. His story will continue to inspire and educate future generations about the true essence of cricket.