Anshuman Gaekwad, a former Indian cricketer and coach, passed away on July 31, 2024, after a battle with blood cancer. Anshuman Gaekwad was a notable figure in Indian cricket, renowned for his defensive capability and significant contributions both on and off the field. Born on September 23, 1952, in Mumbai, Gaekwad developed a reputation as a resilient and technically sound right-handed batsman. His cricketing journey began seriously when he made his Test debut for India on December 27, 1974, against the West Indies in Kolkata.
He also famously made 81 in Jamaica against a West Indies side boasting the likes of Michael Holding in its attack - a feat rendered particularly impressive by the fact that it came in an era when there were neither helmets nor restrictions on bouncers. Gaekwad had to have an operation after he was stung on the ear by a Holding bouncer that punctured his eardrum.
Over a decade-long career, he played 40 Test matches, accumulating 1985 runs at an average of 30.07 including 2 hundred and 10 fifties. His highest Test score of 201 came against Pakistan in 1983, a testament to his patience and concentration, as he batted for 671 minutes, one of the longest innings in First-Class cricket history.
Gaekwad with a height of 5’11 also played 15 One Day Internationals (ODIs), scoring 269 runs at an average of 20.69 with a top score of 78*. His career in ODIs, though less illustrious than his Test career. However, his performances showcased his adaptability and skill in different formats of the game. He was known affectionately as "The Great Wall," Gaekwad's defensive style was particularly effective against the formidable pace attacks of the West Indies, a period when their bowlers were considered the best in the world. This defensive approach earned him respect and admiration from cricket enthusiasts and peers alike.
Anshuman Gaekwad had an impressive First-Class cricket career, gathering 12,136 runs in 206 matches at an average of 41.56, which included 34 centuries and 47 half-centuries. His highest score in First-Class cricket was 225. In List A cricket, he played 55 matches, scoring 1,1601 runs at an average of 32.57, with 2 centuries and 12 half-centuries, his highest List A score being 111*. Gaekwad's consistency and reliability in these formats underlined his value as a top-order batsman in the domestic cricket circuit.
Beyond his playing days, Gaekwad made substantial contributions as a coach and administrator. He served as the Indian national cricket coach twice, first from 1997 to 1999 and then briefly in 2000. His tenure as coach was marked by efforts to rebuild and strengthen the team during challenging times.
Among India's high points during his tenure were the Independence Cup victory, a 2-1 home series win against Australia, Anil Kumble's 10-wicket haul against Pakistan to level the Test series at home, and a drawn ODI series in New Zealand. Gaekwad's coaching career included significant moments such as guiding
