Aunshuman Gaekwad, a former India opener known for his steely calm against the most formidable fast bowlers, has passed away at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of the cricketing fraternity, who remember him not only for his prowess on the field but also for his gentle demeanor and infectious laughter off it.
Throughout his career, Gaekwad was a picture of composure, facing down some of the fastest bowlers in the world with unwavering focus. This was evident in his innings of 201 against Pakistan at Jalandhar in 1983, where he displayed his signature stone-walling technique. His 81 against the West Indies at Kingston’s Sabina Park during the 1976 tour, is another testament to his resilience, an innings etched in cricketing folklore and remembered fondly by his former tormentor, Michael Holding.
Gaekwad’s impact extended beyond his remarkable innings. He was a pillar of strength for his teammates, forging enduring friendships with the likes of Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, who rallied around him during his recent hospital stay in London. His close friend, G.R. Viswanath, another legendary batsman, must be grieving deeply at this loss.
Beyond his playing career, Gaekwad seamlessly transitioned into coaching, selection, and administration. Known for his soft-spoken nature and easy smile, he was always accessible to the media and cherished evenings of nostalgia and banter with his close friends, who fondly called him Anshu. His legacy as a coach and mentor will continue to inspire generations of cricketers.
In a recent video, Kapil Dev, visibly emotional, implored Gaekwad to fight back, reflecting the deep emotional impact he had on everyone he interacted with. The cricketing world has lost a fine cricketer, a true gentleman, and a dear friend. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
