Former Indian batter Anshuman Gaekwad dies at 71 after prolonged battle with cancer
Former Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad died on Wednesday after a prolonged battle with blood cancer. He was 71.
In a career spanning over 12 years, Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs where he scored 2254 runs with 2 centuries and a top score of 201 against Pakistan in Jalandhar in 1983.
Earlier, in a compassionate gesture, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had pledged Rs. 1 crore to help Gaekwad and his family during this challenging period.
Ex-Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly lamented his death in a post on X.
RIP Anshu bhai .. terrible terrible news pic.twitter.com/cdR7FvJDf4
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) July 31, 2024
Gaekwad was known for his defensive mindset against pace bowlers, which became a high priority when the West Indian pace bowlers dominated world cricket. He earned the nickname of 'The Great Wall'.
He made his Test debut against the West Indies at Kolkata on Dec 27, 1974 and his last appearance in a Test match was against England at Kolkata on the last day of 1984.
A right-handed batsman, Gaekwad scored 1985 runs from 40 Tests at an average of 30.07 with 2 centuries and 10 half-centuries to his credit.
He scored his highest Test score of 201 against Pakistan at Jalandhar in 1982–83. This inning, where he spent 671 minutes, is an example of his patient style and concentration.
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