A former India cricketer and coach, Anshuman Gaekwad died at 71 after a protracted battle with blood cancer. Gaekwad, who had been in London till last month, died in Baroda after a brief stay in the ICU due to a variety of medical issues.
Anshuman Gaekwad: Former India Cricketer
Anshuman Gaekwad was a former India cricketer. He batted and bowled right-handed. Anshuman Gaekwad made his Test debut against the West Indies on December 27, 1974. He played 40 Test matches for India. He scored 1985 runs in Tests. His highest score was 201. He played his last Test match for India against England on December 31, 1984.
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Anshuman Gaekwad made his one-day international debut against England on June 07, 1975. He played 15 ODIs for India. He scored 269 runs at an average of 20.69 in ODIs. His highest score was 78 not out. He played his last ODI against the West Indies on December 23, 1987.
Anshuman Gaekwad: Former India Coach
Anshuman Gaekwad was a former India selector who later became the national team’s coach. His most famous achievement as India’s head coach was leading his side to the Champions Trophy final in Kenya in 2000. He has been India’s head coach twice.
Anshuman Gaekwad: Award Received by him
He scored two 100s for India in Test cricket. Out of the two centuries, he converted one into a double century. His greatest Test score came against Pakistan in the 1982-83 series, when he batted for 671 minutes and reached his double century.
He won the BCCI’s highest accolade for a retired player. He received the ‘CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his exceptional contributions to Indian cricket.
Anshuman Gaekwad Died at 71
He was diagnosed with blood cancer earlier this year and was being treated at a London hospital. Many former India players, led by Kapil, urged the cricket board and fans to help collect funds for his costly treatment.
Later, the BCCI approved INR 1 crore for Gaekwad’s treatment after Kapil and Sandeep Patil requested the board to assist him.
He was in the ICU for a short period for various medical complications. After a long battle with cancer, he finally died at the age of 71 in Baroda.
Notable achievements of Gaekwad
He had surgery after being hit by a Michael Holding bouncer
Anshuman Gaekwad’s outstanding innings came against a formidable West Indian bowling assault. He accomplished this accomplishment before the introduction of helmets and bouncers. Gaekwad scored 81 runs against the West Indians in Jamaica. He had surgery after being hit by a Michael Holding bouncer, as he described in his autobiography, ‘Guts Amid Bloodbath.’ He published his book in May 2023.
Joined as head coach amid match-fixing scandal
Gaekwad coached India twice, from 1997 and 2000. He took over for the first time while Sachin Tendulkar was captain of the Indian team, which was in transition. Following Kapil Dev’s resignation, he returned as head coach for the second time amid a match-fixing scandal.
Gaekwad’s achievements as head coach of India team
During his tenure, India achieved several notable victories including
- the Independence Cup win,
- 2-1 series win over Australia in Tests,
- Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul against Pakistan, and
- a drawn ODI series in New Zealand.