PM, former players pay last respects to Gaekwad

Vadodara: The mortal remains of former India cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad were consigned to the flames on the Kirti Mandir premises here on Thursday afternoon. Former India players Kiran More, Roger Binny, Atul Bedade and Nayan Mongia along with Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) office-bearers and members were among those who paid their last respects.
Gaekwad’s sons, Shatrunjay and Aniruddha, carried out the last rites.The 71-year-old had battled cancer for the last year. He had been admitted to a private hospital three weeks ago. He passed away at 9.30pm on Wednesday.
“I made my debut in the Baroda Ranji squad when Gaekwad was the skipper. He was a courageous player with a big heart,” More told TOI.
Reminiscing of their 1976 West Indies tour, More said, “He got hit on head by the ball in Jamaica in 1976. I have seen cricketers, after being hit on the head, getting nervous to the point that their careers begin to flag. Gaekwad was made of something else. He again faced the same bowlers in 1983 without any fear. He was the Iron Man of Indian cricket.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolences to the Gaekwad family. “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,” the PM tweeted on Wednesday night.
When Gaekwad was in hospital, former players such as Kapil Dev and Farokh Engineer had sent him videos wishing him a speedy recovery, as did Greg Chappell and actor Nana Patekar. Kapil and Engineer both called him a fighter. “Come on, cheer up. I hope we meet at the earliest, celebrate together and have a good time,” Kapil had said in the video.
“Anshuman Gaekwad was known to be one of the most fearless players in India. He was a respected captain, coach and an able administrator of the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA). He gave a lot to Baroda and Indian cricket. We shall cherish this son of Vadodara. The vacuum created by his demise shall not be filled ever,” said Pranav Amin, BCA president.
BCA treasurer Sheetal Mehta, secretary Ajit Lele and CEO Snehal Parikh also paid tribute to Gaekwad. Anshuman’s father and former India Test skipper, Dattajirao Gaekwad, had passed away in the city in Feb, at the age of 95.