Former Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad passed away at the age of 71 after a protracted battle with blood cancer. In a 12-year career, Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs, scoring 2254 runs, including two centuries and a best score of 201 against Pakistan in Jalandhar in 1983.
BCCI had earlier pledged 1 crore to aid Gaekwad
Earlier, in a humane gesture, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah pledged INR 1 crore to help former Indian cricketer Gaekwad. Shah personally contacted Gaekwad’s family to express his genuine support during this difficult time.
Also read: Paris Olympics: Lakshya Sen stuns World No. 3 Jonatan Christie
In a press release, the BCCI promised extensive assistance to Gaekwad’s family, expressing optimism and trust in his recovery. Former cricketer Sandeep Patil first brought the 71-year-old Gaekwad’s grave plight to light earlier this year. Patil revealed that Gaekwad had been heroically dealing with his sickness for almost a year and was seeking treatment in London.
Gaekwad confided in Patil about his money problems. Reacting to the circumstance, veteran cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar contacted BCCI Treasurer Ashish Selar, who promised to address the financial help request.
Also read: Sandeep Patil urges BCCI to provide financial help to Anshuman Gaekwad
Notably, Kapil Dev, the 1983 World Cup winning captain, pushed for financial support for Gaekwad. Dev, along with previous cricket legends Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri, and Kirti Azad, tried to raise funds for his injured teammate.
Also read: Paris Olympics: PV Sindhu beats Kristin Kuuba to enter Round of 16
Gaekwad had a successful stint with Team India as head coach
Gaekwad also served as the Indian team’s head coach twice: from 1997 to 1999 and again in 2000. India finished second in the 2000 Champions Trophy while he was coach. Anil Kumble created a record at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi as the first Indian bowler to take ten wickets in a Test innings while serving as coach.
Gaekwad also served as a national selector in the 1990s and the president of the Indian Cricketers’ Association.
