Anshuman Gaekwad passes away aged 71 after prolonged illness

Former Indian batter Anshuman Gaekwad died on July 31, aged 71, after a prolonged battle with cancer. The former head coach of the national team was in London. However, he returned to Baroda last month and eventually died due to numerous health complications.

The opening batter featured in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs from 1975 to 1987. The Mumbai-born former cricketer became the selector and then the coach of the national team. Gaekwad held the reputation of scoring the slowest double-hundred in first-class cricket when he batted for a staggering 671 minutes, making 201 against Pakistan in 1982-83.

One of his also most remarkable innings came against the West Indies in Jamaica in 1981, which was of 81, with Michael Holding leading the attack. The late cricketer notably had to undergo an operation on his ear due to a bouncer from Holding. Gaekwad also mustered a ton in his final first-class match.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah took to his official handle on his X, writing:

"My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Aunshuman Gaekwad. Heartbreaking for the entire cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace."

The BCCI had also released an amount of 1 crore towards his treatment after cricketers Sandeep Patil and Kapil Dev had urged the board.

​

Anshuman Gaekwad also had a promising stint as India's coach

The former cricketer coached the Indian team in two separate stints between 1997 and 2000. He was in charge when Sachin Tendulkar took the captaincy responsibilities and returned amid the infamous match-fixing saga.

Among India's high achievements during his tenure were winning the Independence Cup, 2-1 home series win over Australia, the 1998 Coca-Cola Cup in Sharjah, Anil Kumble's famous ten-wicket haul to level the home rubber against Pakistan, and a drawn ODI series in New Zealand.

Gaekwad also coached India to the final of the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy.

​