Vadodara, India – July 31, 2024 – With the demise of Anshuman Gaekwad in Vadodara on Wednesday at the age of 71, the cricketing fraternity has lost a legendary figure. The former Indian cricketer, coach, and selector finally succumbed to blood cancer after long-fought gallantry, leaving behind his legacy of courage and unwavering dedication to the sport he loved most for its legacy of resilience.
Anshuman Gaekwad has had a distinguished career spanning over a decade, in which he represented India in 40 Test matches and 15 One-Day Internationals. He was known for his fearless approach to the game and would scarcely show any inclination to leave the pitch when pitted against most of the world’s finest bowlers during his time. His commitment toward the team was such that his body bore countless blows through which was embedded the spirit of bravery that defined his playing days.
One of the most memorable performances from Gaekwad was during the 1975-76 Test match in Kingston, Jamaica—he made 81 against the then West Indian pace attack in a most impassioned display. His resilience must have been great since he had a very bad injury from a bouncer during this knock, and this innings is remembered as being a proof of his courage.
He really sealed his place within cricketing lore in 1983 with a double hundred against Pakistan at Jalandhar. It was an innings of immense patience and fortitude, easily one of the slowest double centuries recorded in first-class cricket that brought out his resolve and tactical acumen.
Anshuman Gaekwad’s contribution to Indian cricket went far beyond playing. As head coach of Team India in the late 1990s, he oversaw a few notable victories, most notably a Test series win against Australia and a successful campaign in the 1998 Independence Cup in Bangladesh. His tenure also saw Anil Kumble’s historic 10-wicket haul in an innings against Pakistan in 1999.
After his coaching stint, Gaekwad continued to exercise his influence over Indian cricket, now as a selector. With his keen eye for talent and innate feel for the game, he did much to nurture the next generation of cricketers, thus making quite sure that through the players he groomed, his legacy would live on.
His death brought out several emotional tributes from the cricketing fraternity. Former India wicketkeeper Kiran More spoke about how he felt terrible at the news and exclaimed, “It’s a loss to the cricket fraternity. He was a great taskmaster, always passionate and loved talking about cricket. I had met him a month ago, and his situation wasn’t nice. We looked up to him when we were young. I played under him too.”
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah expressed his condolence and said, “My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Anshuman Gaekwad. Heartbreaking for the entire cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.”
The batting legend Sunil Gavaskar brought to the fore Gaekwad’s bravery: “I was privileged to play with three of the bravest cricketers in Indian cricket. Eknath Solkar, Jimmy Amarnath, and Anshuman Gaekwad. We had heard about the bravery and guts of Nari Contractor. That was inspirational, and Charlie, as Anshuman was known, did exactly that when he donned the India cap.”
Gaekwad was born on 3 December 1951 in Baroda, Gujarat. He made quite a name for himself in international cricket between 1974 and 1985 as a daredevil batsman. His main career highlights were the occasion he played for India in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, which reached the semifinals—the event that transformed the face of Indian cricket forever.
Thereafter, once he retired from the international scene, Gaekwad went on to coach and then become a selector, making an impact on the game from multiple angles. His no-nonsense attitude endeared him to players who liked sharp feedback, tactically sound insights, and correctional inputs. He coached various domestic teams before becoming a national selector, after which he made a huge contribution to the development of young talent and the devising of strategies that brought success to India on multiple fronts.
During his coaching tenure, Gaekwad led through various famous moments of Indian cricket. He created an atmosphere where players could excel without the fear of failure—an ethos that fostered creativity and innovation on the field. His insistence on discipline and hard work became trademarks of teams under his guidance.
But what really set Anshuman Gaekwad apart was the character beyond statistics and accolades. Many colleagues characterized him as approachable yet firm—the type of man to instill confidence while demanding excellence. He instilled this zeal for cricket not just in terms of winning matches but building a culture that continues to carry itself forward through integrity, teamwork, and respect for the game.
While tributes poured in from around the world—from former colleagues to cricket enthusiasts—the one undeniable fact is that the impact of Anshuman Gaekwad on Indian cricket will reverberate long after he is gone. Memories of his myriad gritty displays at the wicket shall stay fresh with all who got to watch them firsthand. Similarly, cricketers from generations to come shall look upon the base that he has left by coaching and mentoring.
Much more important than what Gaekwad did was that he inspired people around him. He left us with the legacy of the momentous truth: great human beings are not recognized by their personal achievements; rather, it is in the betterment of people at large within the community—which in sports, more than any other area, assumes the greatest importance.
The day when Anshuman Gaekwad will bid adieu—so let us remember him not as a player or coach but as the human who in himself embodies that passion for that game called cricket: perhaps that very game which has continued joining millions together across borders.
