'He Was Brave': Cricketing Fraternity Joins PM Modi As Tributes Pour In For Anshuman Gaekwad

Former India opener and Head Coach Anshuman Gaekwad passed away on July 31, 2024, Wednesday at the age of 71. The stalwart who served Indian cricket in various capacities even after retirement had a long battle with cancer. Gaekwad represented the country in 40 Test matches and 15 One day Internationals (ODIs). Out of the 40 Test matches that the Indian opener played, 22 of them came against the mighty West Indies who played ruthless cricket in the 70s and the 80s.

Tributes Pour In For Anshuman Gaekwad

After the news of Gaekwad's sad demise broke out, PM Modi was the first person to to offer his condolences. "Shri Anshuman Gaekwad Ji will be remembered for his contribution to cricket. He was a gifted player and an outstanding coach. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti'. tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Former player, National Selector and head Coach Gaekwad was being treated for blood cancer at the King's College Hospital in London and had returned to the country last month in June. Looking at the urgency of the situation and Gaekwad's health, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had released a fund of INR 1 crore. Not only the apex cricketing body of India, but the members of India's 1983 World Cup winning team also tried to help the former India player by doing their bit.

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Here are the tweets from the cricketing fraternity

Also Read | Former Indian Cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad Passes Away

Anshuman Gaekwad's Journey In Indian Cricket

Known for his beautiful back lift and a gritty technique, Gaekwad and Chetan Chauhan continued to battle it out to open the batting for India between 1974 to 1984. Both of them played the role of second opener to Sunil Gavaskar. Gaekwad played 205 first-class matches in a career that spanned over two decades, 22 years precisely. Gaekwad's best came in 1983 when he scored a double hundred against Zaheer Abbas' Pakistan. After retiring Gaekwad also served as the national selector and the head of Baroda Cricket Association.