Anshuman Gaekwad, former India batter and coach, passes away at 71


Anshuman Gaekwad, the former Indian cricketer and national head coach, has died at the age of 71 following a prolonged battle with blood cancer. Gaekwad, who had been in London until last month, passed away in Baroda after a brief stay in the ICU due to various health complications.


Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1975 and 1987, before transitioning into roles as a selector and later the coach of the national team. As a batter, he accumulated 1985 runs from 70 Test innings, with a highest score of 201 against Pakistan in the 1982-83 series. This innings, which lasted 671 minutes, was then the slowest double-century in first-class cricket. He is also remembered for his gritty 81 against a formidable West Indies attack in Jamaica, during an era with no helmets and few restrictions on bouncers. His playing career concluded on a high note with a century in his final first-class match.


Gaekwad served as India’s head coach in two separate stints between 1997 and 2000. His first tenure coincided with Sachin Tendulkar’s era, overseeing a transitional period for the team. He returned briefly amid the match-fixing scandal following Kapil Dev's resignation. Highlights of his coaching career include the Independence Cup victory, a 2-1 home series win against Australia, Anil Kumble’s historic 10-wicket haul against Pakistan, and reaching the final of the ICC Knockout Trophy in 2000.


Earlier this month, the BCCI provided INR 1 crore towards Gaekwad's treatment, following appeals from Kapil Dev and Sandeep Patil.

Gaekwad's legacy in Indian cricket as a player, selector, and coach is marked by resilience and dedication, both on and off the field.