In a poignant tribute, the Indian cricket team wore black armbands during their first One Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka on Friday to honour the memory of former player and coach Anshuman Gaekwad. Gaekwad, who passed away on Wednesday after a prolonged battle with blood cancer, was 71 years old.
Anshuman Gaekwad’s passing has left a void in the cricketing community. Known for his contributions as both a player and a coach, Gaekwad’s legacy is remembered fondly by those who had the privilege of working with him. The decision to wear black armbands was announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as a mark of respect for Gaekwad’s contributions to the sport.
The BCCI’s statement reflected the sentiment shared by many in the cricketing world, recognizing Gaekwad’s impact on Indian cricket. “Team India is wearing black armbands today in memory of former Indian cricketer and coach Anshuman Gaekwad, who passed away on Wednesday,” the BCCI said.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma expressed his personal grief and admiration for Gaekwad. Sharma, who had the opportunity to interact with Gaekwad on several occasions, spoke about the profound impact Gaekwad had on him. “I was absolutely devastated to hear that news. I was lucky to have a few conversations with him during the BCCI awards, and on a personal note as well,” Sharma said.
Reflecting on Gaekwad’s influence, Sharma noted how Gaekwad’s insights during his time playing Ranji Trophy were invaluable. “When I was playing Ranji Trophy, he was there and he had a few things to talk about my game as well, which was overwhelming for me because he was such a great cricketer for us,” Sharma added.
Sharma highlighted the value of learning from senior players and coaches, emphasising how Gaekwad’s experiences and knowledge of the game were instrumental in shaping the understanding of many cricketers. “It’s always nice when you learn from your seniors, understand how cricket was played back in the day, how tough it was and then to pass on his experiences on cricket and what his visions are about cricket. For me to understand that was a great learning at that point,” Sharma said.
Anshuman Gaekwad’s contributions to Indian cricket span both his playing days and his tenure as a coach. His dedication to the sport and his role in nurturing future generations of cricketers have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. Gaekwad’s death is a significant loss to the cricketing fraternity, and his memory will be cherished by those who knew him and benefited from his expertise.
As the Indian team continues their series against Sri Lanka, Gaekwad’s legacy will undoubtedly remain a part of the cricketing discussions. The black armbands serve not only as a symbol of mourning but also as a tribute to a man who played a significant role in the development of Indian cricket.
The cricketing community’s collective memory of Gaekwad will ensure that his contributions are remembered and celebrated, even as his presence is deeply missed.