Former India cricketer and Team India coach Anshuman Gaekwad passes away at 71

Former Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad passed away at 71 after long battle with cancer on Wednesday.

"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 general secretary Jay Shah confirmed Anshuman Gaekwad's demise.




Gaekwad was battling with blood cancer and recently returned to India after undergoing treatment at the King's College Hospital in London.

The Mumbai-born cricketer played 55 international matches for India and over 250 domestic matches for Baroda. He made his international debut against West Indies in a Test match at Eden Gardens and played his last ODI game in 1987.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his condolences to Gaeakwad's family.

"Shri Anshuman Gaekwad Ji will be remembered for his contribution to cricket," PM Modi said in his X post. "He was a gifted player and an outstanding coach. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."



Gaekwad was also the coach of the Indian team that finished runners-up at the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy.

The BCCI gave Rs 1 crore for Gaekwad's treatment and members of the 1983 World Cup-winning team also did their bid to help the cricketer.

Gaekwad has also played 205 first-class matches in a career spanning 22 years.

He later took over as coach of the Indian team. His glorious moments came at Sharjah in 1998 and in a Test match at Ferozeshah Kotla when Anil Kumble took all 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan in 1999.