[Watch] "I know that you are a fighter" - Emotional Kapil Dev's heartfelt message for Anshuman Gaekwad amidst cancer battle
Former Indian captain Kapil Dev shared a heartfelt and emotional message for his ex-teammate Anshuman Gaekwad amidst his cancer battle. Gaekwad is currently having treatment in London.
Kapil recently called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide financial support to Gaekwad. BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced an amount of ₹ 1 crore for the recovery of the former Indian cricketer and coach.
In a video shared on Social Media, Kapil recalled his playing days with Gaekwad and how the duo played under each other's captaincy.
"Hi Anshu, I know you are going through a rough time, but it doesn't matter, we have all gone through rough times in life. I remember all the good days. The first time? When I played under you, you were my captain. And I remember when I was captain you got two hundred runs in Jalandhar against Pakistan, so good memories. Bad difficult times come and go, but I know that you are a fighter," Kapil said.
He added:
"Come on, cheer up and try to live a life, whatever God has given you and I wish you get better and better and be happy."
Apart from Kapil Dev, former Indian cricketer Sandeep Patil also called on the BCCI to provide financial assistance and shared his heartfelt wishes to Gaekwad.
The now-71-year-old Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India from 1975 to 1987, scoring over 2,000 runs with two centuries and eleven half-centuries.
"We will have coffee together and if nothing, then we can have a little drink together" - Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev continued wishing Anshuman Gaekwad a speedy recovery in the video and hoped to meet his former teammate soon.
Apart from his playing career, Gaekwad also coached Team India in two separate stints from 1997 to 1999 and 2000.
"I hope we meet soon. We will all celebrate together. We had a good time. You just look after yourself. It doesn't matter whatever happened, it happened for good, and I think you are a wonderful person. We had great stories to talk about. We have a lot to talk about, but firstly you need to get well soon. We will have coffee together and if nothing, then we can have a little drink together as well," Kapil Dev said.
He concluded:
"Look after yourself. Love you from the entire cricket community. We all feel proud of you to remember that. Don't let us down? Look after yourself? Love you Anshu. Take care."
During Gaekwad's coaching tenure, India famously won the tri-series involving Australia and New Zealand in Sharjah in 1998.
They also reached the 2000 Champions Trophy final with thumping victories over Australia and South Africa before losing to New Zealand in the summit clash.