New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to former India cricketer and coach Anshuman Gaekwad, who passed away following a prolonged battle with blood cancer.
Gaekwad was in London for treatment till last month. He died in Baroda after a brief time in the ICU due to various health complications.
Gaekwad served Indian cricket as a player, coach and selector. He featured in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs as a player
Besides PM Modi, Team India coach Gautam Gambhir, former spinner Harbhajan Singh and ex-skipper Sourav Ganguly remembered Anshuman Gaekwad as a thorough “gentleman”.
BCCI chief Roger Binny and former teammate of Gaekwad said the cricketing community will miss his contribution.
“Aunshuman Gaekwad’s passing is a great loss for Indian cricket. His dedication, resilience, and love for the game were unparalleled. He was not just a cricketer but a mentor and a friend to many. The cricketing community will miss him dearly, and his contributions will always be remembered,” said Binny in a statement.
Meanwhile, Gambhir, who is currently on international assignment in Sri Lanka, expressed his sadness on social media.
“Saddened by news of the demise of Anshuman Gaekwad ji. May god give strength to his family & loved ones,” wrote Gambhir, who is currently in Sri Lanka with the Indian team for the white-ball series, on his X account.
Saddened by news of the demise of Anshuman Gaekwad ji. May god give strength to his family & loved ones. pic.twitter.com/64PT3VLyU4
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 31, 2024
Meanwhile, Harbhajan who made his international debut in 1998 under the coaching of Gaekwad, remembered the good times.
Anshuman Gaekwad’s sir demise is a heartbreaking news. Have fond memories of making my Test debut under his coaching. A thorough gentleman. Indian cricket will be poorer in his absence. Rest in Peace. Condolences to family 🙏OM Shanti OM
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 31, 2024
PM Modi and Amit Shah were among the dignitaries who condoled the death of Gaekwad.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 31, 2024
Deeply saddened by the demise of Anshuman Gaekwad Ji, a legendary cricketer whose cricketing skills enhanced the pride of Indian cricket. My heartfelt condolences are with his family and followers during this hour of grief. Om Shanti
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 31, 2024
BCCI secretary Jay Shah termed Gaekwad’s death as a heartbreaking loss.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Aunshuman Gaekwad. Heartbreaking for the entire cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace🙏
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 31, 2024
Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja also paid tribute to the legendary cricketer.
Deeply saddened by passing of Anshuman Gaekwad. An affable polished gentleman, he was my late brothers buddy which made me fond of him !! Fought gallantry against cancer and gave it his all – bit like his batting.
RIP
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) July 31, 2024
Gaekwad’s glorious moments
The BCCI recently provided Rs 1 crore financial aid for Gaekwad’s treatment and members of the 1983 World Cup-winning team also contributed to help the cricketer.
Among his achievements as the India coach was a runner-up at the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy. Some other memorable coaching moments in his career were the famous ODI triangular series in Sharjah in 1998 and the famous Test match at Ferozeshah Kotla where Anil Kumble took all 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan in 1999.
Former India cricketer, coach and selector Anshuman Gaekwad was in London for treatment till last month. He died in Baroda after a brief time in the ICU due to various health complications. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
