The team knew his value!

Updated On: 04 August, 2024 06:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Sunil Gavaskar

That the late Aunshuman Gaekwad had taken all the blows, hung in there and tired the bowlers so that other batters could get on the front foot was hardly appreciated, but…

Aunshuman Gaekwad in the nets during the 1984-85 season. Pic/mid-day archives

The number of genuine heartfelt messages that have come from across the world at the passing away of Anshuman Gaekwad indicated what a well-loved and admired cricketer he was. When it was discovered that he had contracted the dreaded ailment everybody around knew that it was only a matter of time and because he was so well-liked, there were prayers and good wishes galore that somehow he would get through and survive. God almighty has His own plans and so he was taken away from our midst when we were still praying and hoping he would come through like he did innumerable times against the most hostile of bowling.

First choice for WI tour

Yes, when it came to opening the batting against the West Indies, the first name put down by the selectors of those days was Anshuman Gaekwad. They knew that he won’t flinch nor would he give his wicket away cheaply. The Windies quicks would have to work hard to remove him. He didn’t always get big scores against them, but what he did was stay at the crease and tire the fast bowlers out so the middle order would flourish.

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast

;

Home / News / Opinion / Article / The team knew his value!