Former cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad succumbs to cancer

Former Indian cricketer and coach Anshuman Gaekwad has passed away at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Gaekwad, a respected figure in Indian cricket, represented the national team in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs between 1975 and 1987. He amassed 1985 runs in Test cricket, with his most memorable innings being a resilient 201 against Pakistan, which he played over 11 hours.

Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), expressed his condolences on his official social media account, X, saying, “My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Anshuman Gaekwad. Heartbreaking for the entire cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.” Shah had previously shown support by pledging INR 1 crore to assist Gaekwad during his illness and reached out to his family to offer personal support.

The BCCI, in an official statement, also pledged full support to Gaekwad's family, expressing hope and confidence in his recovery at the time. The critical nature of Gaekwad's condition was highlighted by former cricketer Sandeep Patil, who disclosed that Gaekwad had been undergoing treatment in London for over a year.

Gaekwad's struggle was compounded by financial difficulties, a situation he confided in Patil. This prompted action from former cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar, who contacted BCCI Treasurer Ashish Shelar, leading to a commitment for financial assistance. The cricket community rallied around Gaekwad, with 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev leading efforts to gather monetary support. Dev, along with cricket legends such as Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri, and Kirti Azad, worked tirelessly to support their ailing colleague.

Anshuman Gaekwad also made significant contributions off the field. He served as the head coach of the Indian men's team during two separate stints, from 1997 to 1999 and again in 2000. Under his guidance, India reached the final of the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy (now known as the ICC Champions Trophy). He also briefly coached the Kenyan national team and served as a member of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) to the BCCI until his resignation in 2019.

In his later years, Gaekwad held the position of president of the Indian Cricketers' Association, where he continued to contribute to the sport and its governance. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and passion for the game.