Veteran Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad died at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with blood cancer. In a career span of 12 years, Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs as well where he scored 2254 runs with 2 tons and a top score of 201 against Pakistan in Jalandhar in 1983 as well.

Earlier, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had pledged INR 1 crore to aid Gaekwad. Shah also contacted Gaekwad’s family to extend heartfelt support during this challenging period as well. In a press statement, the BCCI promised assistance to Gaekwad’s family. The veteran Gaekwad’s dire situation was initially shown by former cricketer Sandeep Patil earlier this year. Patil shared that Gaekwad had been bravely contending with his illness for over a year and has been receiving treatment in London as well.

Reacting to the situation, former India cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar reached out to BCCI Treasurer Ashish Selar, who vowed to help financially as well. Notably, 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev also asked for monetary support for Gaekwad. Dev, alongside other former cricket legends such as Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri, and Kirti Azad also worked towards raising funds to support him as well.

However, Anshuman Gaekwad also served as the head coach of the Indian team in two stints, between 1997 and 1999 and in 2000 as well. Under his guidance, Team India also finished as the runners-up in the 2000 Champions Trophy as well. Meanwhile, Anil Kumble set the record for becoming the first Indian bowler to pick up 10 wickets in a Test innings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi when he was the coach of the Indian Team. Gaekwad also served as a national selector in the 1990s and the president of the Indian Cricketers’ Association as well.