What began as a professional partnership on the cricket pitch transformed into a timeless friendship. Gundappa Viswanath and Anshuman Gaekwad, not only long-time teammates representing India but also two souls sharing an unbreakable bond beyond the boundaries of cricket.
“I just returned from Aunshu’s home, and I can’t come to terms with the fact that I won’t see him again. Visiting his home knowing he is no longer there is heartbreaking,” Viswanath’s voice trembled with emotion during the telephone call from Vadodara.
The history of their friendship has roots deep in cricket. Viswanath stood at the non-striker’s end when Gaekwad took his first stance in Test cricket against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens on New Year’s Day, 1975. Describing the unsettling start, Viswanath narrated, “The pitch was stained with blood,” recalling the hostile welcome Gaekwad received in his debut match. Andy Roberts had ruthlessly struck skipper MAK ‘Tiger’ Pataudi on the face, compelling him to leave the field. With India at a precarious 94 for 4, facing relentless bowlers like Roberts, Bernard Julien, and Vanburn Holder, Gaekwad, then only 21, exhibited remarkable composure.
“Aunshu seemed nervous, as any young player would be, but once he settled in, you could see his determination. His wicket wasn’t going to be easily surrendered—it had to be truly earned. That spirit defined his cricket career,” Viswanath remarked with fondness.
The duo’s partnership of 75 runs for the fifth wicket played a pivotal role in India’s eventual victory by 85 runs. Viswanath’s remarkable 139 runs in the second innings was lauded as one of his best, while Gaekwad, despite falling to spin twice, demonstrated grit in a game dominated by fierce West Indies bowlers.
Despite Gaekwad’s passing last week, Viswanath vividly recalls Gaekwad’s tenacity. “People often celebrated Aunshu’s courage and resilience with the bat. Having witnessed it firsthand numerous times, I can affirm their admiration was well-placed. Sunil [Gavaskar] was unparalleled as an opener, but Aunshu was extraordinary in his own right. No tactic could unsettle him,” he shared.
One of the most brutal reminders of Gaekwad’s resilience came during the infamous ‘Bloodbath of Kingston’ in 1976, shortly after India’s groundbreaking victory at Port of Spain. Viswanath recalled, “Michael Holding led their attack, showering bouncers and beamers. The umpires did nothing, and though we were furious, we were helpless.
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Throughout that merciless assault, Gaekwad stood firm for over seven and a half hours, taking numerous hits but never yielding. “His 81 not out felt more valuable than a century. He endured blows to his fingers and ribcage, leaving the field only after a punishing hit to his left ear by a lifter from Holding. Even then, he wasn’t defeated,” Viswanath said, honouring what he considered the most valiant innings he ever witnessed.
Viswanath’s relationship with Gaekwad extended far beyond shared memories on cricket fields. “We became very close, as did our families. Kavita, my wife, was deeply affected by his loss, considering Aunshu her older brother. Visiting their home and seeing Jyoti without her best mate was a harrowing experience,” he recounted.
Their last encounter was in January at the BCCI awards function in Hyderabad. A brief interaction concluded with Gaekwad feeling tired and retiring to his room, with plans to meet the following day—plans that fate never allowed them to fulfill. “I never imagined he would leave us so soon. It’s a tremendous loss for cricket and a profound personal loss for me,” Viswanath confessed.
Over recent days, heartfelt tributes and expressions of solidarity have poured in globally. “Mikey [Holding] sent a meaningful message, among many others from England, Australia, Pakistan—bowlers he faced unflinchingly. These tributes highlight what a remarkable human being Aunshu was,” Viswanath said, his voice brimming with pride.
Reflections on their time together evoked more than just nostalgic cricket tales. “Aunshu faced life with gratitude, embracing every challenge with a broad smile. Born to cricket but adept in any company, he represented both excellence and humility. His tactical skills in cricket were renowned, but he was much more than a cricketer—he was an aristocrat by birth yet relatable to all.”
In closing, Viswanath’s tribute embodied deep reverence and enduring affection. “Rest well, Aunshu. Our family bond and friendship will continue, undiminished by time or distance.”