Anshuman Gaekwad: Gutsy Batsman, No-Nonsense Coach and Selector

Former opening batsman and ex-Team India coach Anshuman Gaekwad passed away in Vadodara on Wednesday at the age of 71. Gaekwad, a veteran of 40 Tests, had been battling blood cancer and had recently returned from treatment in London. Beyond his playing career, he also made significant contributions as a selector and head coach of the national side.

Support and Tributes from the Cricket Community

Gaekwad’s prolonged illness saw many of his former colleagues stepping forward with financial help or appeals to the BCCI for assistance. Board secretary Jay Shah had recently released Rs 1 crore for his treatment.

“It’s a loss to the cricket fraternity. He was a great taskmaster, always passionate and loved talking about cricket,” said former India wicketkeeper Kiran More. “We looked up to him when we were young. I played under him too.”

Shah also expressed his condolences, stating, “My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Anshuman Gaekwad. Heartbreaking for the entire cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.”

A Career Defined by Courage and Tenacity

In an international career spanning 12 years, Gaekwad appeared in 15 ODIs and was known for his gutsy and courageous batting. Despite an average of just over 30 with two Test hundreds, he was celebrated for his bravery against some of the most fearsome pace bowlers of his time. His double hundred against Pakistan in Jalandhar in 1983, lasting 671 minutes, was the slowest 200 in first-class cricket at that time. He also scored a ton against the West Indies in Kanpur in 1979 against an attack that included a young Malcolm Marshall.

One of his most memorable innings was an 81 against the Caribbean speedsters in the infamous 1975-76 Test in Kingston, Jamaica. Facing bowlers like Michael Holding and Wayne Daniel, Gaekwad was hit on the ear by a Holding bouncer that punctured his eardrum, yet he continued to play on. His opening partner Sunil Gavaskar later recounted the incident, praising Gaekwad’s fighting spirit.

Impact as a Coach and Selector

Gaekwad also had a notable tenure as Team India’s head coach in the late 1990s. He was at the helm when India defeated Mark Taylor’s Australia 2-1 in a home Test series and subsequently won a tri-series in Sharjah, highlighted by Sachin Tendulkar’s famous ‘Desert Storm’ innings. Under his coaching, Anil Kumble also achieved the historic feat of taking all 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan in 1999.

Gaekwad’s coaching stint saw other successes, including the 1998 Independence Cup triumph in Bangladesh and India’s runner-up finish in the inaugural ICC Champions Trophy in 2000.

A First-Class Career to Remember

At the first-class level, Gaekwad scored 34 hundreds, the last of which came in his final game. His contributions to Indian cricket, both on and off the field, have left an indelible mark, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.