Former India cricketer and head coach Anshuman Gaekwad passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with blood cancer. Diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare form of blood cancer, Gaekwad had been receiving treatment at King’s Hospital in London before returning to Mumbai last month.
Struggles and support
During his treatment, Gaekwad faced a significant financial burden. His former teammates, including Ravi Shastri, Kapil Dev, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Mohinder Amarnath, appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide financial assistance. Responding to this call, the BCCI allocated INR 1 crore for Gaekwad’s treatment.
Anshuman Gaekwad’s career highlights
Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India, scoring 1,985 and 269 runs, respectively. His highest individual Test score came against Pakistan, where he scored an unbeaten 201 in Jalandhar, spending 671 minutes at the crease. Known for his gritty and determined batting style, Gaekwad left an indelible mark on Indian cricket both as a player and as a coach.
Final days
After spending over a year in London for his blood cancer treatment, Gaekwad returned to Baroda last month and eventually died due to numerous health complications. His passing marks the end of an era for many in the cricketing community, who remember him for his significant contributions to the sport.
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Tributes from the prominent figures
Upon hearing the news of his demise, the Indian cricket fraternity paid heartfelt tributes to Gaekwad. Prominent figures like Mohammad Azharuddin, Harbhajan Singh and Gautam Gambhir expressed their condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned Gaekwad’s death, highlighting his contributions to cricket.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tribute
“Shri Anshuman Gaekwad Ji will be remembered for his contribution to cricket. He was a gifted player and an outstanding coach. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Shri Anshuman Gaekwad Ji will be remembered for his contribution to cricket. He was a gifted player and an outstanding coach. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 31, 2024
Gautam Gambhir’s homage
Former India cricketer and current head coach of India, Gambhir also paid his respects to Gaekwad. “Anshuman Gaekwad was not just a brilliant cricketer but also a mentor to many. His passing is a great loss to Indian cricket. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,” Gambhir wrote on X.
Saddened by news of the demise of Anshuman Gaekwad ji. May god give strength to his family & loved ones. pic.twitter.com/64PT3VLyU4
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 31, 2024
Harbhajan Singh’s reflection
Harbhajan, who made his international debut under Gaekwad’s coaching, called him a ‘thorough gentleman.’ Singh shared on X, “Anshuman Gaekwad’s sir demise is heartbreaking news. I have fond memories of making my Test debut under his coaching. A thorough gentleman. Indian cricket will be poorer in his absence. Rest in Peace. Condolences to his family,”
Anshuman Gaekwad’s sir demise is a heartbreaking news. Have fond memories of making my Test debut under his coaching. A thorough gentleman. Indian cricket will be poorer in his absence. Rest in Peace. Condolences to family 🙏OM Shanti OM
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 31, 2024
Harsha Bhogle’s acknowledgment
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle remembered Gaekwad as one of Indian cricket’s gritty fighters. “Very saddened to hear that one of the most gritty fighters in Indian cricket, Anshuman Gaekwad, has lost his battle to cancer. He was brave, intelligent, and loved our game deeply. His family can be very proud of him,” Bhogle wrote on X.
Very saddened to hear that one of the most gritty fighters in Indian cricket, Anshuman Gaekwad, has lost his battle to cancer. He was brave, intelligent and loved our game deeply. His family can be very proud of him.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 31, 2024
Mohammad Azharuddin’s remembrance
Former India captain Azharuddin recalled Gaekwad as a great mentor. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Anshuman Gaekwad. A remarkable cricketer and an even greater mentor. His contributions to Indian cricket will always be remembered. Rest in peace, dear friend,” Azharuddin wrote on X.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Anshuman Gaekwad. A remarkable cricketer and an even greater mentor. His contributions to Indian cricket will always be remembered. Rest in peace, dear friend.
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) July 31, 2024
VVS Laxman’s condolences
Former India cricketer VVS Laxman expressed his sorrow on X, writing, “Pained by the demise of #AnshumanGaikwad ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti,”
Pained by the demise of #AnshumanGaikwad ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/CvXbQ98WGr
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 31, 2024
Here’s how cricket fraternity reacted:
Deeply pained to know about the sad demise of former cricketer and coach Anshuman Gaekwad Ji. His cricketing career speaks volumes about his passion and commitment to the game. His demise is a great loss to the cricket fraternity. My deepest condolences to his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/3WFVzOnzaB
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) August 1, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Aunshuman Gaekwad. Heartbreaking for the entire cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace🙏
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 31, 2024
Very sad to hear about the passing away of Anshuman Gaekwad, a gutsy senior cricketer, who became a friend later on. Rest in peace, Anshu…Om shanthi 🙏
— WV Raman (@wvraman) July 31, 2024
Deeply saddened by passing of Anshuman Gaekwad. An affable polished gentleman, he was my late brothers buddy which made me fond of him !! Fought gallantry against cancer and gave it his all – bit like his batting.
RIP
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) July 31, 2024
Mourning the loss of Anshuman Gaekwad, a key figure in Indian cricket who faced his battle with cancer with the same determination he showed on the field. 🕊️
Our prayers are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace. 🕯️ pic.twitter.com/EF9qIFshxg
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) July 31, 2024
Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Anshuman Gaikwad sir. He was our coach for the India U-19 tour to Sri Lanka. Came across as a gentle person with a deep understanding of the game. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
Om Shanti 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/zKJkQRCx3L
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 1, 2024
Indian cricket legend Anshuman Gaikwad has breathed his last. My condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.#RIPAnshumanGaikwad #AnshumanGaikwad pic.twitter.com/xQGQZlpDlE
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) July 31, 2024
Sad to hear about the passing of Shri Nareshbhai Parsana, former Ranji Trophy player of Saurashtra. He was 70 years old. My thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace. #NareshbhaiParsana pic.twitter.com/EvPl0ra284
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) July 31, 2024
His Grit and Patience >>>
Our thoughts are with Anshuman Gaekwad’s family as we remember his immense contribution as a player and coach. 🫡🇮🇳#RIP #Legend pic.twitter.com/LE3PW0afAV
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 1, 2024
Anshuman Gaekwad sir was a thorough gentleman who always gave a helping hand to the youngsters. It’s sad to learn that he has succumbed to cancer after fighting valiantly. Condolences to his bereaved family. Rest in peace, sir. Indian cricket will never forget you 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Mr38v7Y3qS
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) July 31, 2024
Deeply saddened to hear the demise of our Barodian and Indian pride Anshuman Gaekwad. We use to call him Anshu sir with love and respect. My condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/KfaR0NMbmp
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 1, 2024
Amongst the many inspirations & mentors, Anshuman Gaekwad was one for me at an impressionable stage of my career. Brave player of fast bowling, never shied away from a tough challenge. We, who played under him just tried to replicate that. RIP Anshubhai…Indian Cricket is…
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 1, 2024
Deeply saddened by the demise of Indian cricket legend Anshuman Gaekwad, nicknamed ‘Great Wall’. His contribution to the Indian cricket as a player as well as a coach will always be remembered. His courageous battle against cancer over the past year showed his enduring spirit.…
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) August 1, 2024
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