Legendary Indian cricketer and former head coach Aunshuman Gaekwad passed away on July 31 (Wednesday) aged 71 after losing a long battle with cancer. He had travelled to London for treatment and returned a month back to continue the treatment in Baroda. Maharashtra-born Anshuman is son of former India captain Datta Gaekwad. He made his Test and ODI debut in 1975. The legendary batter has played 40 Tests and 205 First Class matches in his 22-year career. He also coached the Indian cricket team and under his guidance Anil Kumble took all ten wickets in an innings against Pakistan in 1999.
Earlier, BCCI secretary Jay Shah released Rs 1 crore for Gaekwad who was battling blood cancer in London. Now, after Anshuman's demise, Jay Shah expressed grief and said my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Anshuman Gaikwad.
“My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Aunshuman Gaekwad. Heartbreaking for the entire cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace” posted Jay Shah.
Batted for 671 minutes against Pakistan
Anshuman Gaekwad batted for 671 minutes against Pakistan in Jalandhar in 1983 in his Test cricket career and scored 201 runs in 436 balls. Which was the slowest double-century in first-class cricket.
India coach
Gaekwad was the selector and coach of Team India after retiring from cricket. Anshuman had worked as the head coach of the Indian cricket team from 1997 to 1999 and in 2000. In June 2018, Gaekwad was awarded the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honour conferred by BCCI on a former player.
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