Former Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad died at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with blood cancer.
In a career that spanned 12 years, Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs where he scored 2254 runs with 2 centuries and a top score of 201 against Pakistan in Jalandhar in 1983.
Earlier, in a compassionate gesture, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had pledged INR 1 crore to aid former Indian cricketer Gaekwad. Shah directly contacted Gaekwad’s family to extend heartfelt support during this challenging period.
In a press statement, the BCCI promised comprehensive assistance to Gaekwad’s family, expressing their hope and confidence in his recovery. The 71-year-old Gaekwad’s dire situation was initially highlighted by former cricketer Sandeep Patil earlier this year. Patil disclosed that Gaekwad had been bravely contending with his illness for over a year and has been receiving treatment in London.
Gaekwad personally confided in Patil about his financial challenges. Reacting to the situation, former cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar reached out to BCCI Treasurer Ashish Selar, who vowed to address the financial support request.
Notably, 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev also rallied for monetary support for Gaekwad. Dev, alongside former cricket legends such as Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri, and Kirti Azad, worked towards raising funds to support their ailing colleague.
Anshuman Gaekwad’s journey as coach
Gaekwad also served as the head coach of the Indian team in two stints, between 1997 and 1999 and in 2000. Under his coaching, India also finished as the runners-up in the 2000 Champions Trophy. When he was the coach, Anil Kumble set the record for becoming the first Indian bowler to pick up 10 wickets in a Test innings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Gaekwad also served as a national selector in the 1990s and the president of the Indian Cricketers’ Association.