Farokh Engineer says goodbye to his captain 'Jitya' Ajit Wadekar

Ex-India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer, who was part of Ajit Wadekar's 1971 team, pays tribute to his captain

I played under three permanent skippers in my Test career — Nari Contractor before Tiger Pataudi and Ajit Wadekar. The last two mentioned were like chalk and cheese, but both grand men. Ajit, or Jitya as I used to call him, was far less flamboyant than Tiger; more serious you could say.

The pinnacle of his captaincy career was the series victories over West Indies and England. I was not part of the team in the West Indies but after the Oval Test win over Ray Illingworth's England which I played a role in, he insisted that I come to India with the rest of the team for whom a big welcome was planned.

Ajit pleaded with me and also wanted me to be an integral part of the homecoming celebrations, but I was committed to play for my county Lancashire. In fact, a day after the Oval victory, I had to figure in a Roses match against Yorkshire in a County Championships game.

Ajit and me used to often exchange notes and he always consulted me on moves that he made as captain. We go back a long way —right from the time we played against each other in inter-collegiate cricket on the maidans of Mumbai.

He was a shrewd captain, but he was such an underestimated batsman for some reason. Basically, a front foot player, his crisp play was beautiful to watch. Surely, he had the game to score more than just one Test century (v NZ in 1967-68).

And who can forget his 99 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground a few months before that, in the same Test that Pataudi came up with those splendid knocks albeit for a lost cause? The Australian attack comprising Graham McKenzie, Alan Connolly and David Renneberg was formidable and Ajit's batting impressed Jack Fingleton, the doyen of Australian writers.

Fingleton was amazed that such a gifted batsman had not scored a Test hundred till then. But then, I don't think figures mattered much to Ajit. A useful innings would be as welcome as a three-figure score. We shared some wonderful memories on and off the field. I deputised for him against the MCC in the Kolkata Test of the 1972-73 series and it was an honour for me — not only to lead my country but to stand in for a successful captain.

He had a dry sense of humour and while I miss his presence at parties, I will also miss his jokes sent from his cell phone. Goodbye Jitya, you played a fine innings, but you could have gone on for a longer one.

Tweet talk
President of India @rashtrapatibhvn:
Sad at the passing of Ajit Wadekar, one of Indian cricket’s finest left-handed batsman and captain during the iconic overseas test victories in 1971 in the Caribbean and England. Condolences to his family and to the cricket fraternity #PresidentKovind

Narendra Modi @narendramodi:
Ajit Wadekar will be remembered for his rich contribution to Indian cricket. A great batsman & wonderful captain, he led our team to some of the most memorable victories in our cricketing history. He was also respected as an effective cricket administrator. Pained by his demise.

Bishan Bedi @BishanBedi:
V sad news-Ajit Wadekar passing away-only Indn Capt to win 3 series in a row-2 away 1 at home-ALW was good contemporary-we had differences o opinion but always respected glory o Crkt-fine batsman & great close in catch-served Indn Crkt w/aplomb as player/Selectr/Coach-RIP Jeetu!

Ravi Shastri @RaviShastriOfc:
Sad moment for Indian cricket to lose one of its most successful captains. Shrewd to the core. Condolences to the entire family #TeamIndia #RIPAjitWadekar

Suresh Raina @ImRaina:
Extremely saddened by the news that former Indian cricket captain #AjitWadekar is no more. He led India to many historic victories! My condolences to the friends & family! RIP Sir, you will always be missed!

Irfan Pathan @IrfanPathan:
Deeply saddened by the demise of an iconic Indian cricketer Ajit Wadekar ji. Thoughts with his family and close ones. May his soul rest in peace.

Boman Irani @bomanirani:
This is sad news. The great Ajit Wadekar is no more. 1971 was no less than a World Cup victory. Maybe more.... You will be missed dear captain. #AjitWadekar

Also Read: Mumbai: Former India Captain Ajit Wadekar Passes Away At 77

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