Former Cricketer and coach Anshuman Gaekwad passed away at the age of 71 after fighting with blood cancer.
The former cricketer passed away on 31st July 2024 at Bhailal Amin General Hospital in Varodra. He and his family were consistently facing financial constraints. The player was earlier seeking treatment in London but traveled back to India because of the financial struggles.
Because of Anshuman Gaekwad’s financial conditions, BCCI has declared rupees 1 crore to support his treatment.
Anushuman Gaekwad’s cricket background:
Gaekwad played about 40 Test matches for India, hitting centuries twice and securing 10 times half-centuries at a career average of 32. His overall first-class numbers were amazing, counting over 12000 runs at an average above 40. His remarkable career included 34 centuries and 47 fifties.
During his prime years, Gaekwad was a consistent middle-order hitter/player who was particularly known for his resilience and determination against pacers. His career-best inning 201 against Pakistan was a marathon knock where he spent more than 11 hours at the crease, symbolizing his powers of concentration and patience.
After the player retired in 1982, he started his journey as a coach, and in his coaching arena, he soon took charge of the men’s national team during the two years between 1997 and 99. It wasn’t a period of considerable success for the national side and he subsequently stepped down to be replaced by Kapil Dev.
Gaekwad also had a stint with Kenya’s Men’s International Team but declined a full-time role in 2009.
The most famous inning of Anshuman Gaekwad is the one he played against Pakistan where he lasted over 11 hours. With patience and concentration, he scored 201 in that match which was his best of all.
Anshuman Gaekwad received the Col.C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award by BCCI in 2018.
Sunil Gavaskar who was his teammate has praised Gaelwad’s bravery and dedication. He called him one of the bravest cricketers in the Indian Cricket.
