Picture Credit: X
Former Indian cricketer and head coach, Anshuman Gaekwad lost his long ailing battle with cancer on Wednesday, July 31 at the Bhailal Amin General Hospital in Vadodara. Gaekwad breathed his last on Wednesday, aged 71 years. The news sent shockwaves in the cricketing community after his former teammate and 1983 World Cup winning captain, Kapil Dev had earlier requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to extend some financial help.
However, the late cricketer received special aid from several members of the cricketing community, including the likes of Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sandeep Patil, Mohinder Amarnath, among others, the BCCI too granted INR 1 Crore to aid Gaekwad’s medical treatment.
PM Narendra Modi, Gautam Gambhir among other members react on Gaekwad’s demise
Although this comes as a sombre moment in the Indian cricket, members of the community extended their condolences on this loss. Dodda Ganesh, former Indian pacer, Harbhajan Singh, Gautam Gambhir extended their heartfelt condolences and grief on this loss, PM Narendra Modi also expressed his grief, calling him “a gifted player and an outstanding coach.”
“Shri Anshuman Gaekwad Ji will be remembered for his contribution to cricket. He was a gifted player and an outstanding coach. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” PM Modi wrote on X.
Former Indian pacer, Dodda Ganesh also paid his repect, writing, “Anshuman Gaekwad sir was thorough gentleman who always gave a helping hand to the youngsters. It’s sad to learn that he has succumbed to cancer after fighting valiantly. Condolences to his bereaved family. Rest in peace, sir. Indian cricket will never forget you.”
Check out how members of the cricketing community reacted on this:
Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India from 1975 to 1987. He last played for India in an ODI against the West Indies back in December 1987. Gaekwad also served as the head coach of the Indian men’s team. In 2000, under his coach, India finished as the runners-up in the Champions Trophy.
