• Former India cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad passed away on Wednesday at the age of 71.

  • The Indian cricket fraternity paid heartfelt tributes to the Indian legend.

From Gautam Gambhir to Harbhajan Singh: Cricket fraternity mourns the demise of Indian legend Anshuman Gaekwad
Gautam Gambhir, Anshuman Gaekwad, Harbhajan Singh (Image Source: X)

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Former India cricketer and head coach Anshuman Gaekwad passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with blood cancer. Diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare form of blood cancer, Gaekwad had been receiving treatment at King’s Hospital in London before returning to Mumbai last month.

Struggles and support

During his treatment, Gaekwad faced a significant financial burden. His former teammates, including Ravi Shastri, Kapil Dev, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Mohinder Amarnath, appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide financial assistance. Responding to this call, the BCCI allocated INR 1 crore for Gaekwad’s treatment.

Anshuman Gaekwad’s career highlights

Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India, scoring 1,985 and 269 runs, respectively. His highest individual Test score came against Pakistan, where he scored an unbeaten 201 in Jalandhar, spending 671 minutes at the crease. Known for his gritty and determined batting style, Gaekwad left an indelible mark on Indian cricket both as a player and as a coach.

Final days

After spending over a year in London for his blood cancer treatment, Gaekwad returned to Baroda last month and eventually died due to numerous health complications. His passing marks the end of an era for many in the cricketing community, who remember him for his significant contributions to the sport.

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Tributes from the prominent figures

Upon hearing the news of his demise, the Indian cricket fraternity paid heartfelt tributes to Gaekwad. Prominent figures like Mohammad Azharuddin, Harbhajan Singh and Gautam Gambhir expressed their condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned Gaekwad’s death, highlighting his contributions to cricket.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tribute

“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 (formerly Twitter).

Gautam Gambhir’s homage

Former India cricketer and current head coach of India, Gambhir also paid his respects to Gaekwad. “Anshuman Gaekwad was not just a brilliant cricketer but also a mentor to many. His passing is a great loss to Indian cricket. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,” Gambhir wrote on X.

Harbhajan Singh’s reflection

Harbhajan, who made his international debut under Gaekwad’s coaching, called him a ‘thorough gentleman.’ Singh shared on X, “Anshuman Gaekwad’s sir demise is heartbreaking news. I 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 his family,”

Harsha Bhogle’s acknowledgment

Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle remembered Gaekwad as one of Indian cricket’s gritty fighters. “Very saddened to hear that one of the most gritty fighters in Indian cricket, Anshuman Gaekwad, has lost his battle to cancer. He was brave, intelligent, and loved our game deeply. His family can be very proud of him,” Bhogle wrote on X.

Mohammad Azharuddin’s remembrance

Former India captain Azharuddin recalled Gaekwad as a great mentor. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Anshuman Gaekwad. A remarkable cricketer and an even greater mentor. His contributions to Indian cricket will always be remembered. Rest in peace, dear friend,” Azharuddin wrote on X.

VVS Laxman’s condolences

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman expressed his sorrow on X, writing, “Pained by the demise of #AnshumanGaikwad ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti,”

Here’s how cricket fraternity reacted:

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