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On Day 3 of the ongoing third Test match between India and England at Rajkot, spectators and viewers noticed something different as the Indian cricket team took to the field. The players were seen wearing black armbands, marking a poignant moment that stirred emotions among fans worldwide. This gesture held a profound significance, honoring the memory of a revered figure in Indian cricket history.
Paying tribute to former India skipper
The somber display of black armbands by the Indian players was a heartfelt tribute to the late Dattajirao Gaekwad. Gaekwad, a former India captain and the oldest living Test cricketer from the country, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy etched in the annals of Indian cricket.
BCCI’s announcement
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made a formal announcement via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), informing fans and followers about Team India’s decision to honor Gaekwad’s memory. This gesture reflects the deep respect and admiration the cricketing fraternity holds for the contributions of stalwarts like Gaekwad.
#TeamIndia will be wearing black arm bands in memory of Dattajirao Gaekwad, former India captain and India’s oldest Test cricketer who passed away recently.#INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 17, 2024
A glimpse into illustrious career
Gaekwad’s journey in cricket was marked by several notable milestones and achievements. As a former Test captain, he led the Indian team during the historic tour of England in 1959, showcasing his leadership skills and cricketing acumen on the international stage. Additionally, Gaekwad played a pivotal role in Baroda’s triumph in the Ranji Trophy, further solidifying his stature as a revered figure in Indian cricket.
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Ravichandran Ashwin’s absence
While the Indian team paid homage to Gaekwad’s memory, they also faced a significant setback with the absence of star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The leggie, who recently achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing 500 wickets in Test cricket, withdrew from the ongoing Test match due to a family medical emergency.
Ashwin’s landmark achievement
On a bittersweet note, Ashwin’s milestone of crossing 500 Test wickets served as a moment of pride for Indian cricket. Joining an elite group of bowlers, Ashwin etched his name in the record books, becoming the ninth bowler in Test history and the only Indian bowler after the legendary Anil Kumble to achieve this remarkable feat.
