Former India batter and coach Aunshuman Gaekwad passes away

Gaekwad, who had suffered from blood cancer, passed away at the Bhailal Amin General Hospital in Vadodara. Recently, BCCI had released Rs 1 crore to support the veteran's treatment.

Gaekwad debuted for India in 1975 and in an international career spanning over a decade, featured in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs. He was a seasoned first-class player, amassing over 12,000 runs at 41.56, which included 34 centuries and 47 fifties.

After his retirement, Gaekwad continued to serve Indian cricket. He was appointed as the India men's team Head coach in 1997 and enjoyed plentyof successes in his tenure. The most notable being - India's triumph in the tri-nation tournament in Sharjah in 1998 and India's terrific victory over Pakistan in the New Delhi Test of 1999 that saw Anil Kumble's historic 10/74.

Gaekwad also served as a national selector and was a member of BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee. He was honoured with the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award by the BCCI in 2018.

BCCI President Roger Binny and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah expressed their condolonces on Gaekwad's passing.

“Aunshuman Gaekwad's passing is a great loss for Indian cricket. His dedication, resilience, and love for the game were unparalleled," Binny said. "He was not just a cricketer but a mentor and a friend to many. The cricketing community will miss him dearly, and his contributions will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones as they cope with this loss."

“The passing of Aunshuman Gaekwad is a profound loss for the cricketing community. A true servant of Indian cricket, he will be remembered for his courage, wisdom, and dedication to the sport. His contribution to the game has been significant, and he leaves behind a lasting legacy. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time," Shah added.

Lead image credit: BCCI