On Wednesday night, the former Indian captain Ajit Wadekar passed away at the age of 77 years. This news has brought a huge sorrow to the Indian cricket. After hearing that news, BCCI and the present and former cricketers paid tributes to him.
Ajit Wadekar was the first ODI captain of Indian cricket team. Apart from leading the national side in two ODIs that he had played in July 1974, Wadekar had also led the national side in 16 Tests. Making his international cricket debut in 1966, Wadekar had played 37 Tests and 2 ODIs.
Also, he was one of the only three members who have represented India as a Test cricketer, captain, coach/manager and the chairman of selectors. He was the Indian cricket team manager from September 1992 to March 1996. Later, he had also served as the Selection Committee Chairman from October 1998 to September 1999.
Here are some Twitter reactions from the Indian cricketers on this sadful incident:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted, “With a heavy heart we bid adieu to Ajit Wadekar. The former India captain is no more. Cricketer, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors – Mr Wadekar served Indian cricket in many different ways.”
With a heavy heart we bid adieu to Ajit Wadekar. The former India captain is no more. Cricketer, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors – Mr Wadekar served Indian cricket in many different ways. pic.twitter.com/6zdFtleXB9
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 15, 2018
Former Indian explosive opener Virender Sehwag posted, “A rare Cricketer, Captain, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors – a truly great servant of Indian Cricket. Heartfelt condolences to family and loved ones. Om Shanti Ajit Wadekar Sir”
A rare Cricketer, Captain, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors – a truly great servant of Indian Cricket. Heartfelt condolences to family and loved ones. Om Shanti Ajit Wadekar Sir 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/67UVcvJUK9
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 16, 2018
Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Ajit Wadekar Sir. He was someone who was instrumental in bringing out the best in us during the 90s. We’ll always be grateful for his advice and guidance. Praying for strength for his family during this difficult time. RIP”
Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Ajit Wadekar Sir. He was someone who was instrumental in bringing out the best in us during the 90s. We’ll always be grateful for his advice and guidance. Praying for strength for his family during this difficult time. 🙏 RIP pic.twitter.com/coSyac73ot
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 16, 2018
Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh wrote, “Great lose to the Cricket fraternity.. my condolences to his whole family RIP Ajit Wadekar sir”
Great lose to the Cricket fraternity.. my condolences to his whole family RIP Ajit Wadekar sir
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 16, 2018
Once, Indian star all-rounder Yuvraj Singh posted, “Saddened to hear the passing away of Sir Ajit Wadekar. One of the finest Indian Captain & Cricketer of all time. Deepest condolences to his family. May his soul Rest In Peace #RIPAjitWadekar”
Saddened to hear the passing away of Sir Ajit Wadekar. One of the finest Indian Captain & Cricketer of all time. Deepest condolences to his family. May his soul Rest In Peace 🙏 #RIPAjitWadekar
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 16, 2018
India’s limited-overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma wrote, “Extremely sad to hear the demise of Ajit Wadekar Sir. Indian cricket team achieved so many great victories under his captaincy. Condolences to the family. RIP sir”
Extremely sad to hear the demise of Ajit Wadekar Sir. Indian cricket team achieved so many great victories under his captaincy. Condolences to the family. RIP sir
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) August 16, 2018
Former Test specialist VVS Laxman posted, “Extremely sad to hear about the demise of Ajit Wadekar sir. May his soul rest in peace”
Extremely sad to hear about the demise of Ajit Wadekar sir. May his soul rest in peace 🙏🏼
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 16, 2018
Former Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble posted, “Deeply saddened by the passing away of #AjitWadekar He was more than a coach to the entire team – a father figure and a shrewd tactician. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be missed. Thank you Sir for the confidence shown in my ability!”
Deeply saddened by the passing away of #AjitWadekar He was more than a coach to the entire team – a father figure and a shrewd tactician. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be missed. Thank you Sir for the confidence shown in my ability! 🙏
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 16, 2018
Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin posted, “Saddened to learn about the demise of Mr . Ajit Wadekar, my sincere condolences and may his soul RIP.#AjitWadekar”
Saddened to learn about the demise of Mr . Ajit Wadekar, my sincere condolences and may his soul RIP.#AjitWadekar
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 16, 2018
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar posted, “Look at me, thrilled to bits, sitting in the lap of the superstar Indian captain, thanks to my dad.”
Look at me, thrilled to bits, sitting in the lap of the superstar Indian captain, thanks to my dad. 😌#RIPAjitWadekar pic.twitter.com/gDdqtu9cZ4
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 16, 2018
Another former Indian opener and present cricket expert Aakash Chopra wrote, “Really sad to hear about Ajit Wadekar’s demise…will always be remembered as the first man who led India to victories in West Indies and England in 1971. Cricketing world will miss you Sir. R.I.P.”
Really sad to hear about Ajit Wadekar’s demise…will always be remembered as the first man who led India to victories in West Indies and England in 1971. Cricketing world will miss you Sir. R.I.P.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 16, 2018
The recently retired Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif posted, “Shocked to hear about the demise Ajit Wadekar Sir! My deepest condolences to his family and friends”
Shocked to hear about the demise Ajit Wadekar Sir!
My deepest condolences to his family and friends— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 16, 2018
Former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin posted, #AjitWadekar sir .. such an iconic person..deeply saddened by his demise!! Sir was a father figure for me.. May his soul rest in peace! My Heartfelt Condolences to the family..@BCCI”
#AjitWadekar sir .. such an iconic person..deeply saddened by his demise!! Sir was a father figure for me.. May his soul rest in peace! My Heartfelt Condolences to the family..@BCCI pic.twitter.com/xLMb2i82B2
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) August 15, 2018
